2010 Olympic Torch relay: Story and photos from Ottawa, Canada
Olympic Torch Bearer, Brian Carty, runs 300m leg of the relay in the town of Almonte.
We just had the most amazing time on Sunday. In the morning, we carpooled with friends to the wee Ottawa Valley village of Almonte to cheer on Brian Carty who was chosen to carry the Olympic torch a designated 300 metres.
The atmosphere was upbeat with everyone smiling and happily encouraging the torch bearers.
Brian was perfect. Elizabeth Manley, the winner of the Olympic Silver medal in Women’s skating in Calgary in 1988, carried the torch before Brian.
Later, for a potluck in Brockville, Brian arrived in his torch bearing outfit, holding the flame high. We all had our photos taken with the torch.
Brian elaborated on the experience:
3 minutes to walk/run the 300 meters- 18 seconds to get in the van which returned him to Almonte town hall
- Signature of the Bombardier factory worker who made the torch inside
- 5 minutes of torch flame time
We shared an Olympic moment with great friends.
Olympic Torch Bearer Factoids
- Each torch bearer runs 300 m.
- 12,000 torches were manufactured by Bombardier.
- Each torch is signed by a Bombardier team member.
- The 300 m must be completed in 3 minutes or less.
- There is 5 minutes of gas stored in the flame.
- The bearer’s suit is free but the torch costs $300. Brian bought his.
- The flame is activated by a key which unlocks the gas cylinder.
- The cylinder is removed at the end of the 300 m.
- Chevrolet provides and services all vehicles.
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The Olympic Torch Fever is so exciting!!!!! . I was on a flight back from Calgary on Friday and the Air Canada pilot announced that a passenger was returning home with his Olympic torch (after doing his run in Sask) and asked if all the passengers would like to enjoy holding the torch. Well, just about everyone on the flight jumped out of their seats to grab a camera or camera phone and then the flight attendants went down every aisle snapping photo’s.What a special treat and so very much enjoyed by the passengers. The flame is coming to our town in Gravenhurst on Dec 30th and I will be standing there proudly waving, just like the folks in Almonte.
Thanks for sharing!.
Yes, holding the an Olympic Torch was a powerful and proud moment. Enjoy the flame excitement in Gravenhurst today. Patterson
The Olympic Torch Relay went within 200 yds of the house this morning. It was cold but Marg and I went and enjoyed the moment. Mike, Acton Ontario
Mike, isn’t Canada wonderful! Heather, Ottawa Ontario