Salmon Arm Olympic celebration

The Olympic Torch came to Salmon Arm today (Jan 27) and it’s hard to remember a time in recent years when an event aroused so much pride, not only in Canada, but also pride in our community. Red-mittened hands waved along the route and folks cheered with all their hearts while the procession wended its way toward City Hall where three thousand smiling faces waited for a glimpse of the Torch.

Celebrations had begun just before 10:00am with Chief Nelson Leon from the Adams Lake Indian Band performing an aboriginal welcome. The lineup of entertainers was amazing. Performances were presented by Dancing Bear, Old Man’s Beard, Steve Davis and Dan Oldfield, the Shuswap Honor Children’s Choir, the Celebration Community Choir, a community dance group and more. All were at their very best and the crowd roared their appreciation.

Roy Sakaki, who was for many years a beloved teacher and school principal in Salmon Arm, brought in the Torch and lit the Cauldron to loud cheers. At that point, Greg Sczebel sang the National Anthem, which was followed by a short message by MP Colin Mayes. Mayor Marty Bootsma was presented with a memento of the occasion and MLA George Abbott spoke to the crowd.

Two Salmon Arm Icebreakers, Davin Hofmann and Alyssa Skaalid, took turns carrying the Torch out of the City Hall venue and on its way toward Vancouver and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. What a day! What a show!