North Battleford

Once-in-a-Lifetime Memories

by Mike Halstead
Sunshine and a mild, minus 1 degree set the tone for January 12, 2010: the day the Olympic Torch arrived in North Battleford – exactly one month from the start of the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.

People of all ages and every background came together in unison, with flags and bright Olympic-themed colours, to line every block of the torch route – eager for a glimpse of the much anticipated Olympic flicker. The cheering, waving and signs exclaiming “We Believe” and “Go Canada” showcased how very proud we were to participate in such an important event.

“It was like a blessing to watch each community torchbearer beaming and brimming with joy and pride as they hoisted that sleek torch and flame high into the air like they had just won Olympic gold themselves,” said Lauralee St. Amant, a North Battleford resident.

Approximately 3,000 people gathered at the celebration site early in the afternoon with everyone getting into the singing and dancing on stage while gleeful expressions were planted on the faces of the school kids excited about their turn to perform.

“They were so eager and full of energy to be a part of our Olympic celebration,” said North Battleford resident Shelly Janostin.

All eyes eventually turned to a beaming and enthusiastic Fiona Smith-Bell. Our local Olympian lit the cauldron and offered words of encouragement to the crowd. “If you have that dream and that passion and are willing to make the sacrifices, you can do whatever you put your mind to,” Smith-Bell said.

The City of North Battleford is grateful to, and incredibly proud of, its residents, the local Olympic Torch Relay committee and the hundreds of people and resources that helped create these once-in-a-lifetime memories for everyone.