Community Celebration of Torch Relay Receives Funding Support
6 October 2009
When the Olympic torch makes its way through Richmond streets on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, members of the community can take part in this historic moment by attending a celebration at Richmond’s O Zone. To help make this a memorable community event, the City of Richmond has received a $15,000 grant from the Department of Canadian Heritage and a $40,000 grant from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts.
“The arrival of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will be a very exciting event for our community,” explains Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We are grateful for the funding from the Federal and Provincial governments to help us create a true community celebration.”
MP Alice Wong added, "It takes a major commitment from all levels of government to host something as big as the Olympic Games. The federal government is pleased to do its part in helping Richmond celebrate the arrival of the Olympic torch to our community."
“The Torch Relay is an opportunity for everyone in Richmond to celebrate our special role in 2010,” says Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard. “Thousands of people from around the world will be here and millions of others will see our city on T.V. This event is a great way for all of us to share in the excitement.”
“I’m proud that we are helping to make this celebration possible,” says Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap. “I’m especially proud that all three levels of government are behind this event at the O Zone.”
“This will be a wonderful event for Richmond,” says Richmond East MLA Linda Reid. “This will showcase Richmond’s outstanding local talent, and I’m sure it is going to be a very memorable day for all.”
The torch will arrive in Richmond in the afternoon of February 9, just three days before the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The flame will travel Richmond streets throughout the late afternoon and evening and arrive at the City’s O Zone celebration site at approximately 8 pm. It will be carried onto the main stage by a special final Torchbearer who will light a 2010 Cauldron.
The Flame will join a celebration that will already be in progress at the O Zone. It will feature spectacular local and national entertainers as well as a grand fireworks finale.
