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Delta throwback: Olympic torch comes to town

Delta experienced Olympic fever ten years ago this week, a time many won’t ever forget. The torch for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver came to town, met with enthusiastic crowds at every stop. On Feb.
Sandor Gyarmati
delta optimist throwback
Thousands showed up at the plaza outside municipal hall on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 to see the Olympic torch. The flame made its way through all three Delta communities before arriving at the hall.Delta Optimist file

Delta experienced Olympic fever ten years ago this week, a time many won’t ever forget.

The torch for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver came to town, met with enthusiastic crowds at every stop.

On Feb. 9, 2010, the torch relay passed through all three Delta communities and the Tsawwassen First Nation before briefly stopping at municipal hall for a celebration.

It then made its way to Richmond.

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It was an exciting atmosphere as many residents dressed in red and white Canada gear came out to see the torch

 

delta torch olympics

A torchbearer in North Delta - City of Vancouver Archives / Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympics

 

A large crowd, many wearing red and white, came out to see the torch at the hall.

Then mayor Lois Jackson said it was a privilege to host a portion of the relay at that the Olympic flame represented peace, brotherhood and friendship for all.

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The departing torchbearer gives a wave to the crowd at municipal hall. The torch was then headed to Richmond after leaving Delta

 

A pair of local torchbearers, former Olympian Joy Fera and South Delta Minor Hockey volunteer Theresa Watts, donated their torches to Delta.

The torch began in North Delta, primarily moving along 112th Street, before moving to Tsawwassen, making stops at Cliff Drive Elementary and the South Delta Recreation Centre, and then the TFN, and finally Ladner.

As Delta was a “route community” without a formal VANOC celebration stop, the city joined the Spirit of BC Committee and community groups to organize a series of entertainers, giveaways and activities.

The events were called Light the Spirit of Delta.

delta optimist torch run 2010 olympics

Torch runner and former Olympian Peter Motzek standing in line with other runners on stage at municipal hall

 

Slovakian theatre troupe Teatro Tatro and a variety of local groups provided entertainment at the hall event.

The day also featured an Olympic exhibition women’s hockey game that saw Finland and Slovakia play at North Delta’s Sungod Arena to a sold out crowd.

delta olympic torch run 2010

A member of the Slovakian theatre troupe Teatro Taro performs at municipal hall

 

delta olympic torch run

The torch first made its way through North Delta - City of Vancouver Archives / Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympics

 

delta olympic torch run 2010