SASKATOON GEARS UP FOR OLYMPIC TORCH CELEBRATIONS

Olympic Gold Medalist Joan McCusker was in Saskatoon today to build pride and excitement leading up to the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

Saskatoon 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 Jan. 11, 2010, when the Olympic flame stops there.

"This is a chance of a generation to show their pride," McCusker said. "The Torch has already travelled through LaRonge and that was such an inspiring celebration. I know the events in Saskatoon will be just as exciting for everyone here."

Today, McCusker spoke to elementary and high school students about her Olympic experience, and winning a gold medal.

"Joan is a great ambassador for our province and our Olympic program," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "People in Saskatchewan genuinely want to be engaged, and Joan's enthusiasm adds to that."

Saskatoon also named its community torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay today; Jacqueline Lavallee. Lavallee is the assistant coach for the University of Saskatchewan Women's Basketball team. She was inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and received the 2008 National Aboriginal Coaching Award.

"Jacqueline embodies the Olympic spirit of hard work, teamwork, inspiring others and reaching for your goals," Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said. "We are so very proud to have her represent our community to the rest of the world."

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.

-30-

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

Kim Ali
Saskatoon Olympic Torch Relay
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-652-1400