| August 28, 2009 More Than $50,000 Supports Langley Torch Relay Celebrations LANGLEY – To showcase the unique culture of their communities and the Olympic Torch’s local visit, the City and Township of Langley have received two 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Community Grants totalling $50,500 in support of exciting local events. “As the birthplace of B.C., I’m pleased Fort Langley will be one of the many stops for the Olympic Torch,” says Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman “Not only is British Columbia the best place on earth but our community is one the best places to live. This celebration will be a great way for our residents to come together and highlight our unique and thriving community.” “The City of Langley boasts some of the most creative and gifted people in our province,” says Langley MLA Mary Polak. “As the Olympic Torch makes its way through our community to the 2010 Winter Games, I’m pleased this funding will allow our residents to be a part of the global celebration through interactive Olympic-themed attractions and a performance by our talented local entertainers. These events are great for our communities’ and B.C.’s Olympic Spirit.” The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Community Grants will go towards supporting two events on February 2, 2010. • The Township of Langley will receive $40,000 for a “celebration community” event which will include a welcome from First Nations; performances by singers and dancers; a gymnastic performance; sport video clips of Langley athletes; a multi-media presentation from a school art program; school choir; and Celtic music. • The City of Langley will receive $10,500 for a “route community” event with Olympic and Parlympic guest speakers, local entertainers and “2010 Venues” displays including: o Whistler display (a stage and entertainment with a skiing simulator video game); o Cypress display (a snowboard simulator, snowboard demonstrations and a photo booth); o Vancouver display (an inflatable hockey rink, a curling demonstration, and a Paralympic educational display); "This provincial grant will help us enhance our entertainment plan to put on a show that will be remembered in Langley for years to come,” says Jordan Bateman, Langley Township Councillor and chair of the Langley Torch Relay Committee. “This celebration will showcase Langley's artistic, cultural, and athletic communities, and will leave a special memory for the hundreds of children we expect will take part in the day." Provincial funding, through the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Community Grants Program, will be used to support approved cultural celebrations and performances featuring local and regional talent in three categories throughout B.C.: • Celebration Communities: There are 50 Celebration Communities. Celebrations will be held in two communities each day – the first at mid-day, and the second in the evening. • Route Communities: There are 218 Route Communities/Places of Interest. The flame will pass through these communities along the relay route but will not stop for a formal celebration. • Aboriginal Communities: Of the 218 Route Communities, 50 are Aboriginal Communities. The flame will stop in each Aboriginal Community for a gathering known as the Honorary Elder Fire Keeper Program. This will allow for each Aboriginal Community to host a welcome/ blessing ceremony for the torch. The 2010 Olympic Flame will be lit on October 22, 2009 and handed over to a representative of Canada in Athens, Greece on October 29 before making its trans-Atlantic flight. The flame will visit every province and territory in the country and will be carried by approximately 12,000 torchbearers. For a map of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Route and a list of Celebration, Route or Aboriginal Communities, please visit: vancouver2010.com. For more information on the Olympic Torch Relay Community Grant Program, please contact communities2010@gov.bc.ca -30- | |
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