(Fort McMurray, AB – November 1, 2022) – The Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is accepting nominations for torchbearers to be a part of the Torch Relay taking place in January 2023.
The Torch Relay will visit eight communities across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and engage with residents through a series of events and community celebrations. Runners will be selected from Fort Chipewyan, Fort Fitzgerald, Conklin, Janvier, Fort McKay, Anzac, Saprae Creek and Fort McMurray.
“This is a great opportunity to represent your community in the lead-up to the 2023 Arctic Winter Games,” said Tyler Cole, Chair of the Torch Relay Committee. “We are thrilled to involve dozens of individuals and bring the torch across the region which will end its journey with the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies presented by Bouchier on January 29.”
Torchbearers may include individuals who are actively engaged in the categories of youth, sport, culture or community. Applicants will be chosen for their outstanding community and social involvement.
The following criteria are required to become a torchbearer:
- Live in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
- Be at least 10 years of age
- Be able to complete the assigned portion of the route*
- Must be able to hold a torch for the duration of their assigned route (approximately 4lbs)*
- Be able to participate in a community celebration
*Accessibility accommodations available upon request.
“Anyone can be nominated to be a torchbearer. The selection criteria seeks to identify people who have shown courage, determination, or work towards making the region a more welcoming, inclusive and safe place to live. We encourage everyone to nominate an outstanding individual and find a torch relay stop near you in January,” added Cole.
The deadline for nominations is November 25, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. MT. Torchbearers for each community will be announced on December 1. The nomination form can be found online at awg2023.org/torch-relay. Submissions can be sent to contests@awg2023.org or dropped off at our office, 10019 Franklin Ave. People can also call 1-866-AWG-2023 or email contests@awg2023.org for more information.
The Arctic Winter Games is an international biennial celebration of circumpolar sports and culture taking place in the Wood Buffalo region from January 29 – February 4, 2023. The Games will highlight the region and its culture through the spirit of sport to an international audience and visitors from around the world. The week-long event will see participants from our own backyard along with international circumpolar North regions during their Time to Shine.
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Related information:
The Torch Relay will be taking place on the following dates:
- Wednesday, January 11, 2023 – Fort Chipewyan and Fort Fitzgerald
- Monday, January 16, 2023 – Conklin & Janvier
- Wednesday, January 18, 2023 – Fort McKay
- Thursday, January 19, 2023 – Anzac
- Saturday, January 21, 2023 – Saprae Creek
- Saturday, January 28, 2023 – Fort McMurray
*Dates are subject to change
Media Contact: communications@awg2023.org