The Flame is lit by Darlene Poole and John Furlong ©Carlanne McCrystal
On Friday, October 30, 2009, Victoria BC welcomed the 2010 Olympic Flame and starts 2010 Olympic Torch Relay with emotional celebrations.
Victoria was the scene of high expectation Friday morning as the crowds turned out for the arrival of the Olympic Flame. Rain had been predicted for the morning, however, the sky cleared slightly and the rain held off other than a few light sprinkles. School children were brought into the inner cordoned off section to greet the flame and wave their flags. The Flame was still in the air due to a nearly one-hour flight delay. However, the arrival of the mascots, Quatchi and Miga signaled its imminent arrival. Finally the canoe appeared on the large screen display next to the stage.
The First Nation Chiefs, Chiefs Sam and Thomas walked the lantern to the stage. There were many speeches and patriotic moments before the flame was delivered on stage by Marina Trikerioti, a young Greek-Canadian,
The first two torch bearers then came onto the stage and lit their torches. The names had been a well-kept secret until that moment. Olympians Catriona Le May Doan and Simon Whitfield were the first two torch-bearers. They handed-off to rower Silken Laumann and diver Alexandre Despatie as the flame set out on the first day of its trek across Canada.
There were several very emotional moments: when the cauldron lit, when the first two torch bearers lit the torch and walked it from the stage, around the circle and then out to the first hand off. Those moments signaled the start of the 106 day journey that takes the Flame across Canada on the longest journey in history, as well as setting the record of visiting the northern-most location in history.
Check back - tomorrow will follow the torch through the up-island relay and tell of the towns it visits and the people it touches.
Contact Carlanne via email: travelindustryexaminer@gmail.com
To receive travel news and deals in your email inbox, go to the top of this article and click the “Subscribe” button next to the picture and enter your email address. Your email address will not be shared. To make this a favorite, click the "Fav" button at the top next to te picture of Seattle Travel Industry Examiner, Carlanne.
Comments
Very good report from the "front line." I will enjoy reading about the Olympics from your perspective.
I can't believe how quickly the Olympics are coming. I hope we do well this time around!
i'm sure it was exciting for everyone involved. great photos.
Exciting to view the slide show.
The mascots are darling
Glad to be kept up to date by someone on the scene. Didn't realize it was starting so soon.
Great article and photos! Love all your helpful links on the right sidebar.
Great article!
Great article. I enjoyed it & look forward to more.
Hey - thanks, this article now has me excited and on the lookout for the games this winter. Will watch for your eyewitness reports!
The lighting of the Olympic torch is always a touching and moving moment. Good job of taking us through this memorable event.
Wow, is it almost time for another Olympics already? Love the photos and your reporting of the event.
LOVE the pictures! Great perspective!
Really interesting to get the 'inside' view of this event. Will follow you on the road to the 2010 Olympics
How great to see that picture of the Fairmont, isn't it, all lit up? I stayed there once. Lovely place. Victoria, too, is a favorite. What a nice time to be there.
Thanks. I can't wait to read more of your articles with detailed reports on the Olympics.
Carlanne, what a great event to experience. This trumps any of my experiences. Great job!
This is one of my all time favorite cities. Looks beautiful. I too had forgotten that we are due for the Olympics.
Can't wait for The Games to start...thanks for the great teaser!
The torch relay is such a good idea to get everyone involved. I watched "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena" carry it along the street at the top of our block for the LA Olympics. We had quite an enthusiastic crowd.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!