Fort Qu'Appelle

Elders Greet and Bless Torch in Fort Qu'Appelle

By Bonnie Schaffer

The Qu'Appelle Valley community was out in full force to welcome the Olympic Torch today. Moderate temperatures and an enthusiastic crowd (young and old) contributed to the excitement.

First, the Torch stopped at the All Nations Healing Hospital where it was greeted by Elders who blessed the Torch on its journey. The focus of the event was, of course, the Olympic Torch and the Torch bearers who arrived at our fantastic Ice Pavilion to the beat of Aboriginal Drums.

A short welcome to the Fort was given by Mayor Ron Osika, who then presented the Torch Runner with a Banner full of signatures, cards and letters from school children in the community.

Our flame was lit and a combined area school choir of 80 voices sang as the Olympic Torch headed to the highway and Regina.

It was a moment!