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PHOTOS: 10 locals tour winter games torch in Prince Albert

Feb 12, 2014 | 3:45 PM

paNOW Staff

Ten local athletes and coaches will welcome the 2014 Saskatchewan winter games with a torch relay.

The participants will tour the torch through Prince Albert on Sunday.

Laura Hopper is the torch relay organizer. Hopper said it’s important to honor the games no matter if they are in a city, province or a nation.

“Passing on the light, passing on the torch from one generation to the next,” said Hopper

Hopper said this event is all about getting the community involved with the games. She said there is a mixture of torch barriers from athletes to volunteers.
The Community involvement leader for SaskEnergy, Shannon Doka, said their mascot will go along with the torchbearers as they carry the flame.

“It is exciting once again to be part of the games,” said Doka.

This isn’t the first time Martial Arts instructor, Wolfgang Menicke has been honored by receiving a call. He was called a few years ago when the ‘Sports for All’ games were in Korea. He was chosen to hold the flag for Canada during that event. Menicke said despite his previous nomination he is humbled and honored to be chosen to represent the Saskatchewan winter games. 

One athlete, chosen to carrying the torch is Austin Ermine. He has competed at a world national level in Karate; in worldwide events in Las Vegas, Dublin and Ireland. His advice for any athletes competing in the games is to try.

“As long as you try your best everything will go your way,” said Ermine.

2012 Saskatchewan summer games, bronze medalist Chelsea Taylor, said competing was nerve wracking and exciting. She was happy to be picked to run the torch.

“It’s a really special feeling and I’m just really excited to do it,” said Taylor.

The chair of the games organizing committee, Al Dyer, said they are still looking for a large number of volunteers.
Follow this link for more information on the games or to volunteer. 

kbruch@rawlco.com

On Twitter @KaylaBruch1