Alberta Winter Games Announces Torch Relay Team
A public call for torchbearer nominations went out in October 2017. Bearers were selected by a panel of Games representatives consisting of Games staff, RMWB representatives, volunteers and ATCO staff.
“We would like to thank all those who took the time to nominate a local athlete and congratulate all those who were nominated,” says Michelle Toner, 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games General Manager. “We received over 40 nominations and the quality of nominees speaks volumes about the growing commitment to sport and community spirit within our region.”
Panel Selected Youth Torch Bearers:
- Kovi Gidget Freude Altoveros, Fort McMurray
- Seth Boulton, Fort McMurray
- Morgan Bowie, Fort McMurray
- Corbin Cyprien, Fort McMurray
- Briana Duran-Esparza, Fort McMurray
- Emma Flemming, Fort McMurray
- Brendan McFatridge, Fort McMurray
- Kylie Mcken, Conklin
- Caleb Pollock, Fort McMurray
- Briklyn Pratt, Anzac
- Ethan Rutherford, Fort McMurray
- Salima Thibault, Fort McMurray
- Colt Wendel, Fort McMurray
- Matthew White, Fort McMurray
The nominated youth runners were evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Academics, such as involvement in school activities, leadership, and variety of activities
- Leadership and community involvement
- Athletics, including activity level, achievement, level of involvement, support and development of others
“We’re excited to fuel the spirit of competition and community in Wood Buffalo at the 2018 Alberta Winter Games,” says Dean Reeve, Senior Vice President & General Manager, ATCO Gas Distribution. “ATCO is thrilled to once again present the Torch Relay and Opening Ceremonies on February 16. We want to wish all the runners selected today the very best as they embark on this unique and exciting opportunity! We’ve been a part of the Alberta Games for nearly 30-years, and the ATCO Torch Relay has become a signature event.”
During the ATCO Torch Relay, the torch will move down Franklin Avenue starting at Popular Crescent and ending at Shell Place - MacDonald Island Park. After the 14 panel selected youth runners finish, Fort McMurray’s Austin Sheehan will cross-country ski with the torch through Borealis Park.
Christina Traverse will later bring the Torch into Opening Ceremonies where it will be handed off to the final three Torch Bearers: Jayla Vigilance (daughter/granddaughter) Dwayne Vigilance(son/father) and Compton Vigilance (father/grandfather).
“The Vigilance family has a rich history with sport in the community,” says Michelle Toner. “Their presence at the Opening Ceremonies marks three generations of Wood Buffalo athletics celebrating the past, present and future of local sport. We are honoured to have them light the cauldron.”
The ATCO Torch Relay is the first event of the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games.
The Relay starts at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 16th, at this time the torch will be lit in a ceremony at Poplar Crescent. The final leg of the relay takes place during the Opening Ceremonies starting at 7:00 pm in Shell Place Baseball Stadium.
For more information on the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games visit www.AlbertaWinterGames.ca
