OLYMPIC TORCH CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE IN LA RONGE

Olympic Gold Medalist Joan McCusker travelled to La Ronge today to continue to build excitement for the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

La Ronge is one of nine ‘celebration communities' designated by the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee. That means the town will host its own unique celebration and activities Nov. 7, 2009, when the Olympic Flame stops there.

"These communities are so thrilled that they get to take part in such an inspiring journey," McCusker said. "Saskatchewan will absolutely shine when it hosts the Olympic Torch Relay, starting Nov. 7 in La Ronge."

Today, McCusker spoke to students about her Olympic experience, and helped build excitement leading up to the Olympic Torch celebrations. She brought a Torino Olympic Torch and her gold medal for curling to help inspire the students.

"Joan's enthusiasm for the Olympic Torch Relay and our Olympic program is infectious," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "She inspires young people to get involved in sport and cultural activities."

Meanwhile, the La Ronge organizing committee is excited about their Torch celebration plans.

"This is an exciting time for our community and we are getting many community organizations involved," La Ronge Community Task Force Chair Tammy Fiske said. "We want to show the world that La Ronge is a community that can come together and put on an amazing celebration."

The Government of Saskatchewan is contributing $45,000 to each celebration community to help them host events around the Olympic Torch Relay and encourage people to get involved in sport, arts or cultural activities. The communities will also spend part of that money on a ‘legacy item' that will remain in the community long after the Torch has passed through.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will travel 45,000 kilometres and visit every Canadian province and territory. For an interactive map of the route of the Olympic Torch Relay visit http://www.vancouver2010.com.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: janet.peters@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-4909

Tammy Fiske
Chairperson of La Ronge Community Task Force
La Ronge
Phone: 306-420-8229
Email: ttfiske@hotmail.com