Manitoba’s third largest city hosts the first leg of the Manitoba Hydro Torch Relay
2017 Canada Summer Games – (STEINBACH, Manitoba) June 23, 2017 – Niibin the 2017 Canada Summer Games’ mascot made the trip to Steinbach today, bringing with him the Roly McLenahan torch and the excitement of the Games. Sixteen torchbearers carried the torch on a five-kilometre relay through the streets of Steinbach on this, the first stop of the Manitoba Hydro Torch Relay.
The Steinbach relay began with a pep rally at the local Manitoba Hydro office led by local Olympian and Canada Games alumna Michelle Sawatzky-Koop and Co-Emcee Jamie Roy. The torchbearers, who were chosen by a local selection committee, then headed down North Front Drive to Main Street, down Reimer Avenue, Brandt Street, back to Main Street. Local residents were on hand to cheer on the athletes along the sixteen legs of the relay.
HIghlights include:
– The Scorpions cheer team leading a warm up routine as part of the pep rally;
– Songs and loud cheering could be heard along Main Street as the torchbearers had their moment to carry the torch;
– Officers of the Steinbach RCMP were stationed along the entire route and at intersections to ensure safety of the runners; they joined the community for the BBQ after the relay.
Steinbach Torchbearers:
- Francois Grenier
- Luis Reis
- Michelle Sawatzky-Koop
- Reese Tufford
- Jonas Desrosiers
- Steffan Reimer
- Amanda Peters
- Kyana Brown
- Teaghan Mitchell
- Randy Fender
- Allison Mack
- Gilbert Fehr
- Jared Driedger
- Amanda Clark
- Sabrina Castellano Smith
- Ivann Miloutinov
The Manitoba Hydro Torch Relay carries the excitement of the Games throughout Manitoba. The torch was lit in Ottawa on June 6, 2017 for the official lighting ceremony. On June 21, Indigenous Elders and Grandmothers infused the Torch Relay with the spirit of the Sacred Fire, while honouring the land and waters the 2017 Canada Summer Games will be held upon. Between June 23 and July 26, the Roly McLenahan Torch will travel to 10 communities around the province, as well as to Kenora, Ontario.
For more information about the 2017 Canada Summer Games: Call our bilingual information service 233-ALLO at 204-233-2556. Service is available 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until August 15, 2017.
To arrange interviews please contact:
Monique LaCoste
Media Relations Consultant
2017 Canada Summer Games
Office: 204-594-5683
Mobile: 204-451-1202
mlacoste@2017canadagames.ca