Canadian Press reports that Vancouver 2010 organizers have chosen 200 communities to be the site of celebrations during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games torch relay.
The torch reportedly will pass through 1,000 places in Canada, but a select group of towns and cities are being asked if they would be willing to host formal events, either at noon or in the evening, when the Olympic flame arrives.
Jim Richards, Director of Torch Relays for Vancouver 2010, said the cost of the celebrations will be born by Vancouver 2010 and the communities. Olympic organizers will provide the infrastructure, including a stage, lighting and technical support.
He said, “we’ve tried to put together a scope that allows every community, regardless of size, for them to host a celebration without going into great fiscal requirements”. Communities would have to bear the cost of the celebrations.
Organizers have not yet released a list of cities asked to participate, or the official route for the relay. but more information is expected later in the year.
Canadian Press reports the torch is expected to travel 35,000 kilometres across Canada over 100 days.
