Ted McMeekin

ONTARIO PREPARES TO WELCOME THE OLYMPIC TORCH

Province supports community torch relay celebrations

November 27, 2009

Ontario is helping Hamilton to boost its torch relay celebrations and attract more visitors. The Olympic flame will arrive on December 19^th for an evening celebration to bring together Ontarians, celebrate community achievements and cheer on Ontario athletes.

Ontario is investing $15,000 to help Hamilton develop and deliver an enhanced community celebration event marking the anticipated arrival of the Olympic flame. This celebration will feature local attractions, artists, cuisine and talent, showcase their community, promote tourism and investment and stimulate the local economy.

The Government of Ontario is a proud partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

QUOTES

“On December 19^th, our community will come together to celebrate the Olympics and cheer on our athletes. I know that we will put on a celebration that will excite and inspire the Olympic spirit in all Hamiltonians.”

Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain

“The Olympic flame represents the human spirit of hard work, perseverance, and being the best you can be. This is an inspirational time for our community and an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our achievements, cheer on our athletes and show the world what a great province we live in.”

Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale

“We are proud to support local communities and promote Ontario to the world. We know There’s no Place like This to live, visit and invest. We are looking forward to cheering on our athletes and promoting Ontario as a world-class tourism destination.”

Monique Smith, Minister of Tourism

QUICK FACTS

• The torch will travel 45,000 kilometres across Canada. It will spend 21 days in Ontario, visit 232 communities and involve 2,900 torchbeare
• There will be 42 communities hosting a mid-day or evening celebration and 20 First Nations communities hosting a traditional Blessing of the Flame ceremony.
• The Olympic flame will be within a one-hour drive for 92% of Ontarians.
• The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are expected to have over 350,000 visitors, over 3 billion TV viewers worldwide and over 10,000 media in attendance.

LEARN MORE

www.ontario.ca/olympics