Antigonish Regional Development Authority, where ideas take root

Olympic Flame Visits Antigonish

Nearly 200 communities across Canada and only seven in Nova Scotia had the opportunity to participate in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay community celebrations and Antigonish was one of them.

On November 17th, 2009, the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay made its way through Antigonish. Starting in Tracadie, the torch passed by hundreds of school kids who lined the road and stopped at Patqnkek First Nation for a blessing of the flame. It then made its way through town and to the StFX campus for a two-hour celebration. 
An estimated 2,500 people were in attendance for this once in a lifetime opportunity. The day was filled with excitement and fun with many interactive games and talent on the stage to engage the crowd of all ages.

Shortly after 1 p.m. the crowd ecstatically watched as Eric Gillis brought the flame onto the site, and lit the cauldron. “What a moment that was,” says Danielle Boucher, event coordinator for the celebration. “The crowd was cheering and you could just see the immense excitement in Eric’s eyes and smile. It was definitely a feeling we won’t forget for a long time!”

To host an event of this size meant that many people had to come together. ARDA was a member of the community task force consisting of numerous community partners including the Town of Antigonish, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, StFX, RCMP, Health Promotion and Protection, Antigonish Chamber of Commerce, Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority, 98.9 XFM, RBC, and Coca-Cola.

Planning for our celebration began months in advance and ARDA was able to assist the community task force in hiring an event coordinator and by chairing the communications committee. On the day of the event, many of ARDA’s employees were on hand making sure the event was a huge success. We’re glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of something that people will be referring to for years to come!