Media Advisory - Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay team to hold training
event on Wednesday, September 23

VANCOUVER , Sept. 22 /CNW/ - The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay team will conduct its most significant training event to date on Wednesday, September 23 to prepare and fine-tune operations for its 106-day, 45,000-kilometre journey across Canada starting October 30 in Victoria, BC.

The objective of the exercise is to simulate a typical day on the relay. The members of the relay team will use the exercise to familiarize themselves with the roles they will be playing on the road, as well as test various operational, logistical and media aspects.

The training event, which will cause brief, rolling road closures, will take place in several BC communities including Hope, Seabird Island, Harrison Hot Springs, Agassiz, Rosedale, Chilliwack, and Abbotsford between 8 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time ). The relay team and the seven communities involved would like to thank the public in advance for their patience, understanding and support for this training event.

While the Olympic Torch will not be lit, the training event will include a large number of torch relay crew members and partners including Coca-Cola, RBC, the Government of Canada , and the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (VISU), as well as observers and vehicles. Approximately 150 torchbearers will also participate throughout the course of the one-day training event.

Spectator participation street-side is not being simulated however residents are encouraged to show their Olympic Spirit and Canadian pride when the Olympic Flame visits on February 7, 2010 .

    
    Media opportunities in Chilliwack

    A test community celebration will be take place at 1:14 pm at the
    Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre, in Chilliwack, BC.

    For visuals, interviews:
    

Media interested in obtaining a visual of the training exercise are invited to set up near the Chilliwack Spirit Square (near Victoria Avenue at Young Street North) at approximately 12:35 pm and check in with torch relay media relations staff at that location. The relay is expected to pass by this location at 12:50 pm .

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay team will hold media availability after the relay passes by at approximately 1:14 pm in Chilliwack, BC, at the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre. If media wish to participate, they are advised to check in with torch relay media relations staff on site.

Additional photos of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay training exercise will be sent directly to those media requesting materials following the training event to support media stories.

For further information: Media Contacts: Sébastien Théberge, VANOC Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Chris Shauf, VANOC Communications, [phone], [email protected]