November 21, 2008 Video: Message from Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games CEO John Furlong and Torch Relays Director, Jim Richards.

2:49 mins. | *System Requirements/Technical Help

Markham Selected For 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Route

Markham, ON — November 21, 2008 — Markham residents anxious to catch the Olympic Spirit will have the opportunity to see the Olympic Flame in person on Thursday, December 17, 2009 as it passes through Markham on its way towards the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“We are thrilled and extremely proud that Markham has been selected as a celebration community for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This is an exciting opportunity for Markham to be part of an historic cross-country event and a worldwide celebration of Olympic Sport.”

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC, will begin its 106-day Canadian journey on October 30, 2009. It will be the longest domestic Torch Relay in Olympic history, stretching over 45,000 kilometres throughout Canada. The Olympic Flame will be welcomed in over 1,000 communities and will pass within one hour of more than 90 per cent of the entire Canadian population.

Markham residents interested in applying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic Flame can apply at icoke.ca or rbc.com/carrythetorch . Anyone can apply, but the presenting sponsors are looking for Canadians who make a commitment to active or sustainable lifestyles and who are dedicated to making a difference in their community.

Markham residents can find out more information on the Markham Torch Relay at www.markham.ca. The torch relay route is available at vancouver2010.com .

About VANOC

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010.Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.Visit vancouver2010.com for further details on programs and schedules.

Q & A: 2010 Olympic Torch Relay - Olympic Torchbearers ( 569kb/3p)

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Media Contacts:

Markham Media Contact:
Dennis Flaherty, Corporate Communications 905-415-7520
dflaherty@markham.ca

VANOC Media Contact: mediarelations@vancouver2010.com

Markham, a municipality of more than 285,000 residents centrally located in the Greater Toronto area, is Canada’s most diverse community and home to many of Canada’s leading life science and technology businesses. It is renowned for a rich heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods, and leadership on the environment and urban design.