During the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, the Olympic flame will visit more than 1,000 Canadian communities and come within a one-hour drive of about 90 percent of the population.

The City of Yorkton will have the honour of hosting the Olympic Torch during its 106-day trek that will cover some 45,000 kilometres across our great nation.

This will be the longest Olympic Torch Relay to take place in a single country in the history of the Olympic Games. The torch will be carried by hand, foot, plane and convoy across rivers, mountains, prairies and through the Arctic.

About 12,000 Canadians will be chosen to carry the flame between October 30 and the Winter Olympics opening day on February 12. The relay will start in Victoria, traverse the country and land back in Vancouver. I hope many people will apply to carry the torch through our area, which should occur around the second week in January. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime.

The Coca-Cola Torchbearer Program recognizes Canadians who are positive about living actively, protecting the environment and creating a more positive reality. Coca-Cola will award torchbearer spots to teenagers who take part in the program and demonstrate a commitment to adopting an active lifestyle.

Citizens who exercise the Olympic values of excellence, fairness, respect, personal growth, leadership and peace through active living and environmental sustainability, can apply to be torchbearers at www.icoke.ca.
The Royal Bank of Canada is also giving away opportunities to carry the flame at www.rbc.com/carrythetorch. Applicants need to do something small or large in their daily lives that will make Canada an even better place to live.

Our government is providing $24.5 million to support the organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays, as well as promoting local celebrations and innovative projects developed by community groups and youth organizations across the country.

These games will unite all Canadians by celebrating our passion for sport, sharing our pride in the talent and achievements of our athletes, and highlighting our creative spirit.

I am confident that the people of Yorkton-Melville will join me in welcoming the Olympic Torch in January. Together we can enjoy this tremendous opportunity to showcase our diverse cultures, accomplishments, geography and proud history.

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The audio version of Garry's August 31, 2009 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here