Oakville Selected for 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Route

Oakville, April 27, 2009 - For Immediate Release
Oakville residents anxious to catch the Olympic Spirit will have the opportunity to see the Olympic Flame in person on Saturday, December 19, 2009 as it passes through Oakville on its way to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

"As a community that is passionate about sports and home to many Olympians, we are extremely proud that Oakville has been chosen as one of 1000 Canadian communities for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay," Mayor Rob Burton said. "This is an exciting opportunity for Oakville to be part of an historic event and a worldwide celebration."

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC, will begin its 106-day Canadian journey on October 30, 2009. It will be the longest domestic Torch Relay in Olympic history, stretching over 45,000 kilometres throughout Canada. The Olympic Flame will be welcomed in over 1,000 communities and will pass within one hour of more than 90 per cent of the entire Canadian population. The Government of Canada is a proud supporter of the Olympic Torch Relay, helping to bring the Olympic Flame to as many Canadians as possible.

The Flame's pan-Canadian journey will culminate on February 12, 2010 when it arrives in Vancouver for the Opening Ceremony before a global viewing audience of billions.

Oakville residents interested in applying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame can apply on the Coca-Cola or RBC websites. 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.

Oakville residents can visit 2009 Olympic Torch Relay web page for more information. The Town will update its website with event details as the date draws near.

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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For more information:
Gisèle Shaw
Manager, Corporate Communications
Town of Oakville
905-845-6601, ext. 3166
gshaw@oakville.ca 

VANOC Media
mediarelations@vanccouver2010.com

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