October 27, 2009

For Immediate Release

Fast reminds Abbotsford residents to attend Olympic Torch Run

Event takes place at 5:30 pm on Feb. 7 at Rotary Stadium

Abbotsford – Member of Parliament Ed Fast today announced federal funding for Abbotsford’s participation in hosting celebrations during the Olympic Torch Relay’s journey across Canada.  The Olympic Torch will pass through over a thousand communities across Canada and will arrive in Abbotsford on the evening of February 7, 2010.  It is expected that hundreds of residents and dignitaries will participate in the event.

“I am obviously very pleased and excited to hear that the Olympic organizers have agreed to include Abbotsford in the Torch Relay,” said Fast.  “I know that when the Torch comes through our town, it will ignite the Olympic spirit in each and every one of us, young and old alike.”

Abbotsford’s funding will be used to highlight local talent and artists and provide interactive activities to engage youth and other individuals. 

Across the country, each local celebration will be different, offering unique opportunities for all Canadians to welcome the Olympic Flame.  The events and activities organized by each celebration community will highlight Canadian pride in our athletes, culture and country.

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

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

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For more information: Ed Fast, MP (613) 995-0183, (604) 557-7888