Rosetown

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By Larisa Ositis
January 11, 2010 started like any other day in Rosetown, a community of approximately 2,500 people; however, the day was special because it was Day 74 of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. That meant the Olympic Torch Relay would be coming through Rosetown.

As the convoy approached, the excitement began to build - you could literally feel the excitement in the air. The moment we had been waiting for was here and our community and people from miles around realized that we were experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime event. People of all ages lined up along the route to take pictures and be a part of the experience. Cheers filled the air, flags were waved, and the flame was passed from one torch bearer to the next - a fantastic symbol of everything that the Olympics stand for - Hope, Peace, Goodwill, and Sportsmanship.

The two legs of the relay in Rosetown were separated by a crew break held at the Rosetown Sports Centre for the members of the Olympic Torch Relay convoy. Refreshments were provided by the Rosetown Minor Athletics Association (RMAA).

Torch bearer Keith Parker of Regina expressed it very well, saying it was an “overwhelming experience. All kinds of mixed feelings - great honour, pride, part of history, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and very emotional.”

This was a truly awesome experience, very difficult to put into words. We all feel privileged to be part of something so special, something that creates a sense of excitement, a feeling of unity and pride in our country.

Following the departure of the convoy, festivities in Rosetown included a gathering at the Legion Hall with cake and refreshments, videos and Rosetown's very own Olympian, Marcel Dubois, had some of his Olympic memorabilia on display. Presentations were held in the afternoon at Rosetown Central High School and Walter Aseltine School. One Torch bearer stayed in the community for the presentation at the schools and photo opportunities with their torch so that the Olympic Spirit could reach more Canadians on this great day.