RSS FeedThe Olympic Torch Relay begins! Boston Globe
The Olympic torch began its epic journey today in Victoria, British Columbia, the start of a relay that will cover nearly 28,000 miles between now and February 12, 2010, when the Olympics begin. One of the best things about a city the size (pop. 80,000) and vibe (very laid back) as Victoria is that you actually get a shot of seeing and being a part of a major event like this one. Even though we showed up in downtown Victoria—in front of the legislative building overlooking the wharf—just 20 minutes before the flame arrived here by dugout canoe, we were still able to get front-row spots along the fence. Thousands of people joined us on this 60-degree, overcast day to watch a ceremonial party of first Nations chiefs bring the flame into the harbor on a 40-foot canoe (it arrived by plane from Athens, Greece, this morning and this is the first Olympics in history being co-hosted by an aboriginal group).
People with Canadian maple leaves painted on their faces and red and white souvenir mittens and shirts waved flags and cheered as the flame was carried along the wharf in a miner’s lantern and then up to a stage in front of the Parliament Buildings. After speeches by various chiefs, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, who mentioned that the flame will also travel by logging truck and skateboard, the first torchbearers were finally released—this had been a well-kept secret until today. The initial two runners to carry the flame are former Canadian Olympians Simon Whitfield, a triathlete, and Catriona Le May Doan, a speed skater, who handed off to three-time world champ and Olympic diver Alexandre Despatie and rower Silken Laumann, one of the most decorated Canadian athletes ever. All, except Alexandre, have lived, worked or trained around Victoria and are the most “down-to-earth, regular people,” according to the concierge at the Hotel Grand Pacific in downtown Victoria.
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