For the first time in Canada Games history, the Torch Relay is going national, hitting 48 communities before ending up in Red Deer for the Opening Ceremonies on February 15th. Tomorrow (Sat) is Saskatoon’s turn.
The MNP Canada Games Torch Relay begins at MNP on 4th Avenue at 10 tomorrow morning and will make its way across the University Bridge and to Merlis Belsher Place for a public ceremony and celebration around 11 o’clock.
Spokesperson for the Relay, Melanie Pare, says after Saskatoon they head to British Columbia and then travel east to end up in Red Deer.
The Torch was lit from the Centennial Flame on October 4th on Parliament Hill.
The Torch Bearers were nominated and chosen for their involvement in the community and in the sports world.
Torch bearer list:
Doug Anderson
Doug Anderson is the President & CEO of Peavey Industries LP, a retail chain. Peavey Industries operates 91 stores in 5 provinces under three banners: Peavey Mart, MainStreet Hardware and TSC Stores. Doug actively supports the Red Deer & District Community Foundation and owns an arts facility in Red Deer dedicated to providing affordable theatre space for local theatre groups. Recently, Doug participated in fundraising efforts to support STARS Air Ambulance.
Sheri Benson
Sheri Benson was elected in October 2015 as the Member of Parliament for Saskatoon West. She currently serves at the NDP s Housing Critic and the LGBTQ2+ Deputy Critic. Sheri believes that inequality costs us all and if we work together we can create a better Canada.
Nicole Betker
Nicole Betker has hosted four national championships and 15 regional championships. As well, she represented Canada at the World University Games in 2013. An active volunteer, Nicole has helped with local national and international events hosted in Saskatoon and has become a mentor to young athletes and those in sports administration. Nicole has also served on regional and national communications and marketing committees.
Charlie Clark
Saskatoon’s Mayor Charlie Clark is committed to working with the passion and talent in Saskatoon so that we can be the city that gets it right. By bringing people with different perspectives and backgrounds together, he works to build a stronger community for now and into the future.
Jaymon Hill
Jaymon is a partner with MNP LLP. He is a coach for ringette and hockey and a liaison to theSaskatoon Ringette Board of Directors. Jaymon was the 2015 Saskatoon Ringette Association Coach of the Year. Jaymon is the co-chair of the Warman Sports and Cultural Village Sports Celebrity Dinner and Auction. He is a very active volunteer who works for the love of sport and athletics in his community.
Rylund Hunter
Rylund Hunter is the chair of the board for Huskie Football Alumni and Saskatoon Minor Football. He has been a board member for the annual Special Olympics fundraiser, motionball Marathon of Sport. As well, Rylund is a member of the board for Autism Services Saskatoon and a member of the senate for the University of Saskatchewan.
Madison Johnson
Curler Madison Johnson has won gold at high school provincials and silver at the 2017 Saskatchewan Winter Games. One of her most significant accomplishments was competing in the 2018 Under 18 Nationals. Outside of curling, Madison was recently named the Elite Twelves number one athlete from Saskatoon. She has provided coaching for youth teams.
Tanya Knight
Tanya Knight s family moved to Saskatoon in 2011 and have been active in the community since they arrived. Tanya s spouse is a teacher and is an active coach for both of their boys teams. Tanya has volunteered with organizations like the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce Board. She has been a part of the Saskatoon and Area Community Foundation, CPA Saskatchewan and a volunteer for the Hockey Canada Foundation Gala Dinner.
Paul Merriman
First elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 2011, Paul Merriman continues serving his constituency and province. Paul currently serves as the Minister of Social Services. He also sits on the Board of Internal Economy. He is a former board member for Special Olympics Saskatchewan. He continues to be involved by supporting his daughter at various Special Olympics events.
Vaughn Wyant
Vaughn Wyant has been a presence in the auto industry for more than 30 years, with numerous awards received. He has grown his business to include more than 11 brands and 20 locations and has been consistently ranked in the top 25 businesses in Saskatchewan. He maintains a strong connection to community through commitment to organizations that include healthcare, education, sport, music, art and culture