Are you getting excited yet? I know I am.
In just 14 days, Vancouver will play host to the world, opening our hearts with the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
But we here on the Coast can get in on the excitement before that, next Thursday, Feb. 4, as the Olympic Torch Relay comes to the Sunshine Coast.
The Torch Relay will travel from Earls Cove to Langdale with stops in Pender Harbour, Sechelt, Sechelt Indian Band lands, Roberts Creek, Gibsons, Hopkins Landing and Langdale, and then head to Horseshoe Bay on a special B.C. Ferries' sailing where the Relay will make its way up Highway 99 to Squamish for a community celebration that evening.
I'm thrilled with the prospect of being part of the Olympic spirit, even in a small way. Due to work and other commitments, I probably won't be able to make it over to the Lower Mainland during the Olympic competition, so to be able to see and be a part of the Torch Relay is going to be a once in a lifetime experience. Each community along the Coast where the Relay will stop has unique events and entertainment planned, all of which is outlined in a special pullout section in today's edition.
The 2010 Winter Olympic Games are truly Canada's Games. When it's completed, the Torch Relay will become the longest in history within a host country. It will be more than 100 days in length and will have passed through more than 1,000 communities. Nearly 200 community celebrations will have taken place in every province and territory, and 12,000 people will have had the honour of being an Olympic torch-bearer and know that they have helped carry the flame to Vancouver.
I know there are people who are against the Olympics and everything it stands for. Some have voiced their concerns in letters to the editor, others attended last week's presentation from anti-Olympic author Chris Shaw. Some simply will boycott the Torch Relay or not watch or participate in the Olympic experience.
Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and I respect that, but I'm fully supportive of the Olympics and the Torch Relay.
This is about much more than sport and competition. This is a chance to celebrate being Canadian, to celebrate pride in our country, our province and our community. I can only imagine the feelings that the lucky chosen folks here on the Coast will have Feb. 4 when they put on their Olympic toque, mittens and jacket and get handed the torch for the first time, and the feeling of exhilaration washing over them as they run down Highway 101 in front of their family and friends. They'll be a part of Olympic history and be a part of something truly special.
I urge and hope that everyone on the Coast takes advantage of this opportunity and comes out on Feb. 4 to be a part of this event, cheer on the torch bearers and celebrate.
