Games Torch Welcomed in Lunenburg

The Halifax 2011 Canada Games torch arrived in the Town of Lunenburg in style today, May 10, onboard the HMCS Glace Bay.

Ten local youth ran the torch through the streets as part of the first of four Nova Scotia kick-off celebrations planned for this week. The official lighting ceremony was held in Ottawa last Monday.

The students were the first of many who will run with the Canada Games torch. Building on the Canada Games tradition, the 2011 Games torch program celebrates the unique culture of Nova Scotia in the communities that help shape and define it. The goal of the tour is to generate awareness and excitement in each region leading up to the Games.

"While the 2011 Canada Games will be in HRM, the spirit of the Games will be felt across the province," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "Community events like this will help us ignite that spirit in all Nova Scotians."

Premier Dexter, Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney, 2011 Games chair Jean-Paul Deveau, Olympian and Canada Games alumnus Richard Dalton joined South Shore residents to welcome the torch. Local band Slow Cooking Cover joined in on the celebration entertaining the crowd as the torch made its way through the town.

"The 2011 torch carries not only a flame, but also a message of cultural pride, community spirit, and love for sport," said Mr. Deveau.

"We are honoured to be the first community to welcome the torch," said Mr. Mawhinney. "Taking part in this celebration is an exciting and meaningful event in our town's unique history."

This week's other community kick-offs will be in Yarmouth on Wednesday, Chéticamp on Thursday and Amherst on Friday.

The 2011 Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport event held in Nova Scotia and Halifax's first Canada Winter Games. From Feb. 11 to 27, 2011, more than 2,700 athletes will compete in more than 20 sports, attracting thousands of visitors, VIPs, officials and media.