December 30, 2009
Countdown to the Torch
Kamloops, B.C. - On January 27, 2010 at approximately 4:20 p.m., the 2010 Olympic Torch will enter the City of Kamloops along the East Trans Canada Highway. Torchbearers will make their way throughout the city concluding the day's run at the Tournament Capital Centre/Hillside Stadium. The official community torchbearer will run the torch through the stadium to cheers from the crowd before climbing the stairs to the stage where the Olympic cauldron will be lit.
A community celebration will be held the day of the torch arrival to share the Olympic excitement. The Kamloops Torch Relay Community Task Force has been planning the event for the past several months and has created a free festival-style family celebration that will delight all ages. From 5:00 - 6:00 pm, families will enjoy a lively, first-class production, A Meeting of the Waters - A Kamloops Story, featuring local performers portraying the history of Kamloops through dance, music and theatre. This production will be held inside the Tournament Capital Centre Field House.
"a fantastic program showcasing high-energy local talent, local history and the arrival of the community torchbearer - residents will not want to miss this event"
At 6:00 pm, everyone will move outside to Hillside Stadium to partake in the Torch Relay Celebration featuring a two hour stage show. The Blues Jumpers, Henry Small Band and RBC and Coca-Cola entertainers will rock on stage while those in attendance visit interactive displays. Kamloops residents will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the Olympic torch, record personal messages to Canadian athletes and participate in Olympic sport simulations while waiting for the official community torchbearer to arrive. Concessionaires and the HBC Olympic Retail Store will also be on-site.
"Residents will not want to miss this event. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of Olympic history in our own city," states Tammy Campbell, Business & Client Services Manager with the City of Kamloops. "The Task Force has put together a fantastic program for the event showcasing high-energy local talent, local history and of course the arrival of the community torchbearer to light the cauldron."
The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. For more information, visit www.kamloops.ca/2010.
- 30 -
PAINT THE TOWN RED on January 27th - All of Kamloops is encouraged to participate by dressing the town in RED. Decorate your homes, offices and storefronts with red lights, hang red window decorations, get creative! On January 27th, demonstrate your support by wearing red ~ red jackets, red hats, red mittens, red scarves and even paint your face red.
Over 200 athletes will represent Canada at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games but every Canadian has a place on the team. So show your team spirit and pride by painting Kamloops red on January 27th and support our Canadian athletes.
Media Contact:
Tammy Campbell, Business and Client Services Manager
City of Kamloops
250-828-3572
tcampbell@kamloops.ca
