SWIFT CURRENT RALLYING FOR UPCOMING RELAY

Olympic Gold Medalist Joan McCusker is in Swift Current today to help build excitement for the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

Swift Current is one of nine ‘celebration communities' designated by the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee. That means the city will host its own unique celebration and activities on January 10, 2010, when the Olympic Flame stops in Swift Current.

"For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in an incredibly inspiring journey," McCusker said. "The torch burns as a symbol of peace, brotherhood and friendship - what a great symbol to share and celebrate with all Saskatchewan residents."

Today, Swift Current's Torch committee got a head start on the celebrations with mini-torch relays in city schools. McCusker also spoke to students about her Olympic experience and is attending an evening community event. McCusker will travel to more communities in the next several weeks to continue to build excitement.

"Joan is a great ambassador for our province and the Olympic program," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "I want to thank her for her leadership on the torch project and for inspiring young people to get involved in sport and cultural activities."

Members of the Swift Current Torch committee are excited about the celebration they are planning for the Olympic Torch's arrival in Swift Current.

"We have an excellent line-up of performers and activities that are going to light up the night on January 10," Swift Current organizing committee co-chair Nicole Peno said. "Thanks to support from the government of Saskatchewan, it will be a great celebration of sports, arts, culture and heritage - a celebration that will be remembered in our community for years to come!"

The government of Saskatchewan is contributing $45,000 to each celebration community to help 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 the money on a ‘legacy item' that will remain in the community long after the Torch has passed through.

In total, the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will travel 45,000 kilometres and visit every Canadian province and territory.

An interactive map of the route of the Olympic Torch Relay can be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com.

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For more information, contact:

Art Jones
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: art.jones@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927

Nicole Peno
City of Swift Current
Swift Current
Phone: 306-778-2787