New Westminster – Mayor Wayne Wright and city councillors unfurled a 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Community Flag today, announcing New Westminster’s designation as an Official Celebration Community and our selection as a celebration stop as the Olympic Flame makes its way across Canada.

“This is fantastic news for our community,” said Mayor Wayne Wright . “To be selected as an Official Celebration Community is a tremendous honour.”

The 106-day Torch Relay will be the largest in Olympic history, beginning on October 30, 2009 and ending on February 12, 2010 as the Flame arrives in Vancouver for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Games. The route will stretch over 45,000 kilometres throughout Canada through over 1000 communities and places of interest. The Flame will stop in nearly 200 communities where regional celebrations will be held.

“We’re going to get to work right away planning our community celebration,” said Mayor Wright. “On the heels of our 150 th anniversary, the Torch Relay gives us yet another great reason for our citizens to come together and celebrate.”

Following the announcement, New Westminster ’s Olympic Torch Relay Community Flag was raised at City Hall, where it will remain until January. At that time, the flag will be moved to the City’s Friendship Garden where it will fly until after the 2010 Olympic Games.

“The move to Friendship Garden will be symbolic of the Olympic Flame’s principles of peace, brotherhood and friendship,” said Mayor Wright. “It’s the perfect place for us to display our flag with pride.”

Residents interested in applying for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame can apply at iCoke.ca or rbc.com/carrythetorch. Coca-Cola and RBC, the relay’s presenting partners, have the exclusive rights for the public to enter the Olympic Torchbearer program and are looking for Canadian applicants who commit to live healthier or are inspired to create a stronger country by volunteering or making sustainable choices. There will be several opportunities to apply for torchbearer spots beginning immediately.

About VANOC

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit vancouver2010.com for further details on programs and schedules.

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Contact:

Ashleigh Young, Communications Coordinator
604-527-4559