It was a night to remember in Golden.
On January 21, Day 84 of the Olympic Torch Relay, thousands of spectators came down to the community Celebration Site to welcome the Torch to Golden.
Dignitaries, participants and onlookers alike were treated to an emotional moment when Syd Feuz, Town appointed Torchbearer for Golden, walked up the human corridor, to the stage and lit the cauldron.
When queried about his reaction to the festivities, Feuz said that he never expected to see so many people out for the event.
“It’s unbelievable,” he said.
When asked about what advice he had for the younger generations, Feuz replied, “There’s no better place to live than in Golden. I spent three years in the Navy and I’ve never seen anything better anywhere else.”
MP Jim Abbott said the Canadian Government thinks that this is really Canada’s games.
“This is our opportunity to show the world who we are. We are very proud to have contributed, we are very proud to be a part of this. And I’m very proud that this is the first event in British Columbia, back in British Columbia. The people of Golden and this area are very special people, you can see that by the crowd here tonight.”
Premier Gordon Campbell also made the trip to Golden to take part in the celebrations.
“As we get ready in 22 days to welcome the world, let me say this, you have set the standard,” he said, adding, “I can tell you this, that athletes across the world are going to come and for the first time ever, our Canadian athletes are going to win Olympic gold right here in Canada. These are are Canada’s games. These are British Columbia’s games. They’re Golden’s games and they’re your games. May the Olympic torch inspire you to strive to be your best. And let me say, for all British Columbians, Thank you Golden, Thank you Golden, Thank you Golden!”
During the celebration, to the thousands in the crowd, Mayor Christina Benty said that Golden had completely outdone itself.
“Once again, so many people and organizations have worked tirelessly for over a year to make this celebration a success. Our torch committee didn’t just organize a one-day event, they organized nine days of family friendly and affordable entertainment for everyone to demonstrate our diverse culture, our range of talent and our world-class out door adventure.
“Having the torch here tonight is a once in a lifetime opportunity to share with the country our community spirit and the positive energy that makes Golden a great place to be. I am very proud to be a Canadian, a British Columbian and to be the mayor of this diverse and vibrant community. In the words of Syd Feuz, Golden is the best place to be!
