City's final torchbearer announced

City of North Bay
News Release

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When the Olympic Flame arrives in North Bay in just 3 weeks time, it will be proudly carried by Nicholas Fung, nominated as our community torchbearer to light the celebration cauldron for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

Nicholas, 13, is a student at Chippewa Intermediate/Secondary School and is known in the community for his unwavering desire to be a hockey goalie which was the impetus behind Northern Ontario's only special needs hockey team, the North Bay North Stars. Nicholas has a very sweet disposition and a disarming innocence and leaves a positive impression on most people he interacts with.  He is happy with a great sense of humour, involved in his community and connected uniquely to the world around him.  What makes him so remarkable is that he has managed to do so despite having challenges that affect the way he thinks and learns.

“We’re pleased to announce Nicholas as North Bay’s torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games,” said Mayor Vic Fedeli. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Nicholas, who is one of 12,000 Canadians chosen to carry the Olympic Flame on the longest domestic torch relay in Olympic history! On December 30th, we want everyone in our community to join together with other Canadians and show the world how inspired we feel by the Olympic Flame and its message of peace, brotherhood and friendship.”

To celebrate the arrival of the flame, the community is planning an array of stage entertainment that includes an aboriginal welcome, the Interlink Choir, Dreamcoat Theatre, Renata Dolata, Nishnaabe Eshkiniijig and Spirit Star Singers. The Widdifield High School Choir will be performing the national anthem in both French & English.

There will also be performances, interactive displays and giveaways by sponsors including Coca-Cola and RBC. Crowds will be dazzled by a spectacular grand finale fireworks display. Admission is free to the public and the first 1000 people will receive a free treat of toffee on snow. Dress warmly and help paint the town red by wearing your red clothing.

Midway through the two-hour celebration program, Nicholas will carry the Olympic Torch on its final 300 metres to the stage where he will light the 1.3-metre high celebration cauldron, in a move similar to the dramatic highlight of what will occur during the Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

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