Wednesday February 10, 2010 – Canadian flags and Team Canada Logo wear abounded in a sea of families and kids of all ages to greet the Olympic torch on the Lonsdale Quay. Multiple generational families, overseas students, babies in strollers, toddlers in teddy bear suits; business people, retirees, elementary high school, and University students all present. The Quay was chock full.

Local Media, a children´s choir and a rock band from Saltspring Island added to the flavour of the morning, helping build the anticipation for the torch´s arrival.

NSBSG Members Neil Hamilton, Des Dougan, Marion Maysenhoelder, Earle Cherneski and Norm Accipiter attended.

At the appointed time, like clockwork, Olympic Swimmer Victor Krantz ran in, surrounded by security, and met his counterpart at the centre fountain to pass on the flame. The crowd cheered in unison as Victor brought in the flame and ran a lap around the fountain, ensuring that all those immediately near the perimeter had an opportunity to view the torch.

The Bombardier designed torch is an engineering feat in and of itself. Shaped like an elongated “S” to reflect the undulations of mountains meeting the sea, the oar-like torch has a neo-modernist flair with a unique and powerful profile. Its prominence over the runner commands attention and awe from all those who view it.

At every transfer point there is a volunteer waiting with a key to unlock the chamber within the torch that releases the gas to help ignite the flame as it is passed forward. At the end of the run, another volunteer is there to close it down.

The torchbearers themselves, well known or not, become celebrities in their own right as spectators take their picture and pose alongside them with the torch.

If Lonsdale Quay was any indication, the torch run is a rising tide of enthusiasm, culminating in the grand spectacle of the opening ceremonies on Friday night.

The NSBSG continues to meet every Wednesday morning at the Pantry Restaurant starting at 7am. We encourage our members to invite guests.