The Canada Games torch was once again burning in Prince George, but not for the same reason as last time.
Prince George, alongside Victoria (Nov. 21) and Kelowna (Nov. 30), were chosen to be part of the torch relay, while other communities in B.C. were chosen to be celebration stops.
The torch relay today saw a total of twelve torchbearers:
- Myrna Cable
- Tony Cable
- Alyson Gourley-Cramer
- Mike Morris
- Darlene McIntosh
- Ted Clarke
- Mandi Graham
- Catherine Hansen
- Todd Doherty
- Lyn Hall
- Justin Hampole
- Joel McKay
The @MNP_LLP @CanadaGames Torch Relay is underway in @CityofPG! @ToddDohertyMP has received the torch just now! #mnptorchrelay #cityofpg pic.twitter.com/v9AVlu39sV
— 2019 Canada Games (@2019CanadaGames) December 8, 2018
Mayor Lyn Hall reflected on what hosting the 2015 Games meant to Prince George, while also wishing Red Deer the same experience and success.
"2015 was electrifying for Prince George and Canada, as well as British Columbia," Hall said at the ceremony following the relay. "I think Red Deer is going to experience the same thing. It's that uniting factor."
"It will change your community," he added. "It will change it in ways that you can't even imagine and that's what it's done for the City of Prince George."
During the games in Prince George, Team B.C. finished third overall in the medal standings with a total of 88 (21 gold, 34 silver and 33 bronze), behind Team Ontario who took home 112 medals (47 gold, 40 silver and 25 bronze). Quebec ran away with the games however with a total of 141 (62 gold, 39 silver and 40 bronze.)
The torch relay began on Oct. 4 in Ottawa and will reach its final destination of Red Deer on Feb. 15. The opening ceremonies will be at 6:30 p.m. that evening while the closing ceremonies will take place on March 2, also at 6:30 p.m.
The torch is going through a total of 48 communities across Canada with 26 torch relay stops and 22 celebration stops.
