Canada 2010: Torch Relay (2)

The Canadian National Anthem is sung by local students, grades four through twelve, a multi-school choir. “Future leaders of Canada! Strive to be your best!” the announcer says after Kristin McBride has transferred the torch on stage; the announcer is referencing McBride’s involvement with the pre-schoolers, encouraging the youth of Canada.

“The flame is the symbol for igniting the passion, connecting you with your passion,” the Squamish mayor says, adding, “This moment feels real! The heart of 2010 is right here in Squamish!”

It is a pivotal point; for everyone. The Games are finally here – almost. Certain hiccups have popped up – transportation, some logistics, but, for those in attendance, tonight is time to laud those who have supported the Games with Vanoc through the homestay programs, the set up crew for the Torch Ceremonies (acknowledging most of the work has been done by locals), but also a political moment for the MPLA and local politicians. “Go Canada Go!” the politicians make sure to say as they conclude their speeches.

Enter Chief Gibby Jacob, a Board Member of Vanoc and member of the Squamish First Nation. He’s asked about what the atmosphere of the crowd is like tonight.

“[It’s]Taking our breath away! This is the homecoming! We are so humbled to be here!”

The torch will live on in Squamish with a torch like those the relay team used donated to the city.The atmosphere is “all positive, all celebrative” of the 106 consecutive day, 1035-Canadian strong Torch Relay.

“How are people feeling in Vanoc?” he’s asked by the announcer.

“Two thumbs up – we’re ready to rock and roll in Vancouver!”

A day later in Whistler, the Village is electrified by its presence, I watch during dinner, ten minutes on foot away as CTV covers the event from their plaza, recently erected to conduct nightly broadcasts.

People cannot help but be excited. The Games are four days away. It is their twelve-day Superbowl, the people in the Sea-to-Sky have been waiting for this week since 2003, pro and anti-Games alike.

Canada 2010: Torch Relay

Music blares and drums can be heard as the procession slowly makes its way down Guildford. With a police escort, the Coca-Cola, RBC, and Official Vehicle make up the convoy.

Cars stream by, some with streamers or Canadian flags flowing past them.

Squamish, it seems, is on lock down. Cars line Guildford from the stop sign all the way to Highway 99. It reminds me of the Fourth of July – a flash of traffic and then it all moves forward; some anxiety among the drivers who are forced to wait for five minutes in their cars as the procession does the loop around my new neighborhood.

Jason Mraz, "I'm Your's," perhaps ironically, plays out of the vehicles; I keep walking down to the bridge. A brief conversation with Windels back in Minnesota, informing someone of this madness sweeping northbound on Highway 99.

Mark is torch bearer 129, Laura; 130. Mark is from Victoria and has done multiple legs of this journey – Laura thanks Panasonic profusely, telling me she entered a contest by writing an essay on the Environment/Culture and Sport of the Games.

“I cried when I heard,” she says, claiming that she will likely cry again as she passes off the torch to its final bearer for the night, Squamish local Kristen McBride. She passes the torch off to a few of us behind the barricade on the streets – it felt like about five pounds in my hand.

“Oh my God!” she exclaims; she’s very excited for this moment. We can see the procession getting closer now – Mark is preceeded by a man on a bike, telling Laura the final instructions.

“Turn this way and hold it high!” he says.

Mark follows shortly with the burning flame – cars are lined up behind him all the way from Cleveland Avenue to Valleycliffe. Laura takes off.

Security is crazy – but I’m thrown a bottle of Coke Zero, given one that is glows, and I’m quite pleased at my position for capturing all of this. Mark (129) takes a quick break -- he's breathing hard, so he waits a bit and hops on the bus of Torch Bearers (the white bus behind him, where Laura hopped off of).

More on the Canadian National Anthem and “pep fest” held at the Brennan Park area later – where an estimated eight to ten thousand Squamish residents make an appearance.