Government of Canada Celebrates Arrival of the Olympic Torch with the Town of Lunenburg

November 20, 2009

Lunenburg, NS – Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade and Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), today celebrated the arrival of the Olympic Flame in Lunenburg as part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay’s journey across Canada.

“The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay represents an extraordinary occasion to unify the entire country, from coast to coast to coast, generating tremendous pride in Canada, while truly celebrating the arrival of the Games,” said MP Keddy. “Tonight the Torch has touched all of us. I would like to personally congratulate both Lisa Ross and Sherry Ritcey in helping to carry the Olympic Flame.”

The events and activities organized by each celebration community highlight Canadian pride in our athletes, culture, and country. All Canadians have the unique opportunity to take part in an unforgettable Olympic experience and to celebrate the talent and dedication of our Canadian athletes as they own the podium in 2010. To help offset the cost of its celebration, the Government of Canada provided $15,000 to the Town of Lunenburg.

“The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay is the longest domestic relay in Olympic history,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). “Through its journey, the Olympic Flame will be carried by 12,000 torchbearers through more than 1,000 communities across our country. I invite all Canadians to participate and embrace the Olympic spirit.”

At the end of its journey, the flame will arrive in Vancouver on February 12, 2010 for the Opening Ceremony signalling the start of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The flame burns for the entire duration of the Games and is extinguished during the Closing Ceremony on February 28, 2010.

Mr. Keddy presented the Town of Lunenburg with a commemorative plaque for welcoming the Olympic Flame in their community. The plaque symbolizes the legacy that will endure in communities long after the flame is extinguished.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s support for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay or the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, please visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.