More torch bearers are needed for the 2013 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games this summer.
Opening ceremonies are a mere two months away, and games manager Marcie Mazurenko said there is still a need to fill open spots in the torch relay in both Westlock and Barrhead.
Mazurenko is appealing to the communities’ sense of pride and “prestige” in order to recruit as many torch bearers as possible.
“It’s our community’s opportunity to take part in that,” she said. “I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to take part in that.”
As it stands, Mazurenko said there are more torch bearers lined up in Westlock than there are in Barrhead, but in both communities more applicants would be welcome.
In Westlock there have been many applicants who have signed up to carry the torch with one or two other people, so while the total number of torch bearers may be enough, when several walk in a group, it will take more to cover the entire route.
There are virtually no limitations on who can be a torch bearer, Mazurenko said. As long as you can hold the torch, you can be a torch bearer.
The only real restriction is young children must be accompanied by an adult.
She added she welcomes small groups to apply as well — grandparents and grandchildren, husband and wife pairs and siblings.
Even people who have participated in past 55 Plus games are encouraged to take part.
In order to help make it easier for more people to take part, Mazurenko said each leg of the relay will be between 200-400 metres.
“It’s not too long,” she said. “We wanted to make it short enough that anybody could do it.”
Application forms to be a torch bearer are available at the games office at #3 10611 100 Ave. in Westlock, or by calling Mazurenko at 780-349-6165. The deadline to apply is May 24.
“I guess it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” she said.
“How many people can say they’ve been a torch bearer for anything?”
