January 6, 2010

Olympic Torch Relay Comes to Steinbach

STEINBACH, Manitoba – The Honourable Vic Toews, Regional Minister for Manitoba, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Provencher, today took part in celebrations welcoming the arrival of the Olympic Flame in Steinbach as part of the Olympic Torch Relay’s journey across Canada.

“Our Government has been bringing all regions of our country together through these Olympic Torch Relay community celebrations, celebrations of Canada’s diverse culture and rich history, and celebrations of the Olympic Games that will unite all Canadians in our passion for sport and our pride in our athletes,” said Minister Toews. “Residents of Steinbach were excited to be a part of these celebrations and think it’s wonderful that the Olympic Torch stopped in our community.”

Our Government has invested $22.5 million to ensure that communities throughout our country join in the excitement and thrill of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, with $12,000 provided to the community of Steinbach for today’s celebration.

The events and activities organized by each celebration community highlight Canadian pride in our athletes, culture, and country. Each celebration community is different and offers unique opportunities for all Canadians to welcome the Olympic Flame. Canadians from coast to coast to coast have the unique opportunity to take part in an unforgettable Olympic experience and celebrate the talent and dedication of our Canadian athletes as they own the podium in 2010.

“The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay is the longest domestic relay in Olympic history,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport. “Through its journey, the Olympic Flame will be carried by 12,000 torchbearers through more than 1,000 communities across our country. I invite all Canadians to participate and embrace the Olympic spirit.”

At the end of its journey, the flame will arrive in Vancouver on February 12, 2010 for the Opening Ceremony signalling the start of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The flame burns for the entire duration of the Games and is extinguished during the Closing Ceremony on February 28, 2010.

Minister Toews presented the City of Steinbach with a commemorative plaque for welcoming the Olympic Flame in their community. The plaque symbolizes the legacy that will endure in communities long after the flame is extinguished.