100 Torchbearers Ignite Countdown to the Games

In 100 days, 3,600 athletes, coaches and managers, 1,000 VIPs, and more than 5,000 volunteers will gather in Halifax to take part in the largest multisport event held in Nova Scotia.

The next 100 days are the final stage of preparation to host 20 national sporting events over 18 days in February 2011. During the 100 days, participants, HRM residents and visitors can look forward to Host Society milestones such as the completion of the Canada Games Centre and the Canada Games Oval, orientation and training of Games volunteers, and the selection of festival and ceremonies performers. Meanwhile, the 2011 torch will visit more than 120 schools, igniting the spirit in students across HRM.

To kick off the countdown, 100 students carried the torch today, Nov. 3, in a relay from Citadel Hill National Historic Site to centre ice at the Metro Centre, the opening ceremonies venue.

"Celebrating the countdown to the Games gives us the chance to show the community what they have to look forward to 100 days from now and reflect on how far we've come in our planning," said John Rogers, 2011 board member and marketing and sponsorship division chair. "We are well on our way to delivering a great Games."

Volunteers, athletes, coaches, officials and sponsors participated in a 100 Days and Counting video that premiered at the countdown event and can be found online at canadagames2011.ca . The event also acknowledged RBC as the Games' official bank and presenting sponsor of the Results Centre.

"As past supporters of the Games, RBC understands the positive impact an event like this will have on the city of Halifax. We are thrilled to be a part of the celebration today and in February," said Glen Dormody, RBC regional vice-president, Metro Halifax.

Individual tickets and passes to Games events went on sale today and can be purchased online, by phone or at the Ticket Atlantic box office. For more information, visit canadagames2011.ca/tickets .

The 2011 Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport event held in Nova Scotia and Halifax's first Canada Winter Games.

Held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, the Canada Games are a key event in the development of Canada's young athletes, producing the next generation of national, international and Olympic champions.