Moosomin

Torch Relay Stories - Moosomin, Saturday January 9

By Chris Jaster, Reporter/photographer, Moosomin World-Spectator

A large inukshuk made from hay bales welcomed the Olympic flame to Moosomin, and the province of Saskatchewan. Residents were so excited for the torch coming through town that, more than two hours before the relay started, they gathered at the Community Hall where local fire fighters served pancakes.

The sidewalks along Main Street were packed as torch runners from all over the southeast corner of the province brought the flame through town. Mayor Don Bradley and Moosomin’s Olympic Torch Relay chair Mike Schwean met the flame on the corner of Main Street and Broadway Avenue under the town’s Olympic rings display. Everybody along Main Street squeezed on to the corner and spilled on to the intersection as the relay had a brief stop under the Olympic rings while everyone sang O Canada.

Families and friends of the runners, as well as local residents, gathered together at McLeod Elementary School after the relay to talk to the runners about their experience, pose for photos with the runners and their torches and some people even had the opportunity to hold a torch.

Residents continued celebrating the Olympics after all the torch relay persons left town. Five businesses held miniature Olympic games for children to play and collect all the Olympic quarters.

The entire town was abuzz during the event. Watching the flame’s first stop in Saskatchewan is a moment many people here will remember for the rest of their lives.