Editor’s Note: This morning we have Lindsay Sterk giving us the low-down on getting an Olympic experience right here in the Comox Valley. Here he is:

On November 2 the Olympic Torch is coming to Courtenay. The flame was lit in Greece on October 22 and is now making its way towards Canada, and will hit the ground running on October 30.

This will be the longest relay in the history of the Olympics and will reach over 1000 communities with over 200 community celebrations. The Olympic crew is travelling with a giant, fully equipped stage that is set up at every celebration for Canadians to enjoy the Olympic experience, as well as display a wide array of local talent as they graciously share their stage with everyone.

The Comox Valley will present a 2.5 hour celebration, representing the cultural mosaic of what we have in this community. It is no surprise to readers that I am a rabid fan of all artists in this area and I am very excited that so many get to be in the same place at the same time!

Our local celebrity Todd Butler will be kicking off the local entertainment and will also be the event’s Master of Ceremonies. For those who have not experienced the talent of this man, you can’t miss the blend of humour, passion and intelligence in this multi-talented performer.

Katherine Frank of the Comox Indian Band will give the Aboriginal Welcome and the Comox Valley Francophone Society will also be participating.

The vocal talent will feature Sue Medley, Island Phoenix, Cantiamo Chamber Ensemble under the direction of the talented Jennifer Riley and Beryl Regier’s CoVal Choristers.

As you now know, there is such a wide variety of dance here. I would be remiss not to mention the amazing array of dance performers that will be gracing the stage. At the opening of the event there will be a sample of the different cultures that are included in our community. The dancing kicks off with the Valley’s amazing youth dance company True Colours under the direction of Livea Gill. Another trio of troupes that represent a huge variety of talent are the Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers led by Janette Lutzer, Margaret Mullen’s Tara School of Irish Dance and Highland Dancing featuring Laurie Tinkler School of Dance.

There will also be tap dancing to the music of Todd Butler from Pantuso Dance, and Hoop Dancing from Teddy Anderson (you have to see this to believe it!), as well as Tribal Dances and entertainment provided by VANOC.

I am also really excited about one particular dance (probably because I am choreographing!!) that is bringing together our community of dancers. There are 30 dancers from Pantuso Dance, Gemini Dance, Valley Dance and the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance rehearsing a lovely movement/dance piece.

What would a community spectacle be without a display of our wonderful SAR TECH. Make sure you take time during the festivities to look up to see the folks do a drop!

Amidst all of the local entertainment there will also be plenty of world class performances from the crew bringing the event to our community. If you are there between 11:30 a.m – 12 p.m you can see Canada’s own Olympic Torch come right into the park and onto the stage.

If you check out the Echo Newspaper this week, they are highlighting the stories of some of the torch bearers. These stories are a great opportunity for you and your children to learn about folks that have demonstrated determination, excellence and great citizenship in their community.

There is so much mixed press with the Olympics, that I chose to write about this to display one of the positive sides to the event. This positive side greatly impacts the young people in the community, as it highlights their amazing talents and teaches them about community. The Torch Relay also beautifully brings together the fields of arts and sports. There are so many factors that often place these two fields against each other. It is wonderful to have an opportunity to see them work hand in hand.

So come on out to Lewis Park on November 2 at 10am to enjoy the Olympic experience. Not only is it a chance to enjoy the local arts scene, but it’s also a chance to teach our kids about some of the wonderful things that Olympics represent.

Photo courtesy of VANOC