As it journeyed through Olds, the Canada Winter Games torch relay was a chance to bring the community — sports fans and non-sports fans — together, Mayor Mike Muzychka said.
Muzychka made that point during ceremonies in the Sportsplex after the torch relay in Olds ended on Jan. 31.
The torch relay came here during a coast-to-coast journey that began in October. It will eventually end up in Red Deer for the 2019 Canada Winter Games which take place Feb. 15 to March 3 in that community.
Games organizers said this is the first year the Canada Winter Games torch relay has gone right across the country.
"Sports has a great way of bringing people together and today is an excellent example of this," Muzychka said. "Thank you to our local sports teams and clubs who helped out with this event. You are showcasing your talent all around town today."
He added that sports has a "rich history" in Olds.
Local athletes — young and older — displayed their skills and talent throughout the town that day with a variety of sports and activities throughout the community.
Celebrations began at 8 a.m. at the CLC Fitness Centre with drop-in squash and racquetball. Other activities included various swimming events at the Olds Aquatic Centre until well into the evening.
Gymnasts showcased their talents at the Olds Gymnastics Club. Lots of activities were also held at the Sportsplex, including judo demonstrations, a chance to try archery, celebrity curling, speed skating, ringette, hockey and a biathlon competition.
The goal was to feature all 19 sports that will be showcased during the Canada Winter Games.
Ten people carried the torch through Olds.
In addition to Muzychka, they were well-known local bottle collector Jon Ahlgrim; Olympic wrestler Danielle Lappage; Robert McBeath, brother of the late local hockey and lacrosse player Ryan McBeath; Special Olympics athlete Mark Mengersen; former NHL player Jay Rosehill; former Olds College president Tom Thompson; curling champion Jocelyn Peterman; Red Deer-Mountain View MP Earl Dreeshen; and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper.
Like Muzychka, Dreeshen said the torch and the Games are a chance to bring people together.
"This is for all athletes, but it is also for all Canadians. This relay that has gone throughout the country does more than simply say 'yes, we've sent a few of our young people to the Games.' It has brought every community together and bringing the community of Olds together is something that is so important," he said.
Red Deer mayor Tara Veer gave a shout-out to the Olds Grizzlys and Olds College Broncos.
Cree elder John Sinclair gave a prayer for all those involved in the relay and the upcoming Games.
