Alberta Summer Games seeking torch bearers

Nominations are now being accepted from individuals and groups that would like to participate in the Torch Celebration at the 2023 Alberta Summer Games. 

Anyone living in any of the Foothills communities is eligible to become a torch bearer for the ceremonial event that will take place in Okotoks and Diamond Valley the day before the Summer Games commence. 

“We want to include everybody and anybody in the community,” said Graham Taylor, a volunteer involved with the Torch Celebration. “You can nominate yourself or others. A coach could nominate a player or nominate the whole team if he wants.” 

Torch bearers could be selected based on their community involvement, particularly as it relates to sports, but organizers are also looking for representation from a cross-section of the community, including from the youth and Indigenous sectors. 

About 20 torch bearers will be required in Okotoks, with another six to eight needed in Diamond Valley. Each leg of the relay will be roughly 200 to 300 metres and participants aren’t expected to run. 

The Torch Celebration will begin on 3rd Street in Diamond Valley on the morning of Wednesday, July 19 and continue in the afternoon in Okotoks, following a route from the library to Bill Robertson Park. 

ATCO is sponsoring the event and will host a barbecue at the park that will act as a kick-off party for the Summer Games, which will take place July 20 to 23. 

Those interested in taking part in the Torch Celebration can fill out a nomination form on the Summer Games website at 2023asg.com. Applications will be accepted until the end of March. 

Games officials aren’t sure at this point how torch bearers will be chosen, and they might end up using a lottery system if they receive many applications. 

The Summer Games are a sporting spectacle that will see over 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials from throughout Alberta descend on the host communities for four days. Teams and individual competitors from eight zones across Alberta will compete for provincial bragging rights in 14 sports.