Games Torch Bearer & Lighter Kept Under Wraps

The BC 55 Plus Games countdown gets going at an event Saturday in downtown Vernon.

A torch lightning ceremony will be held at 3 pm on the 29th Street stage, as part of the Sunshine Festival.

“Torch lightings usually occur around the 100 day mark, but we really wanted to provide a much better profile for this event, and that’s why we partnered with the Downtown Vernon Association to hold it during Sunshine Festival,” Michelle Jefferson, director of ceremonies,  tells Kiss FM.

Jefferson says the actual torch lighter will be unveiled Saturday.

“We will have a very special torch bearer as well, and then there will be the person that lights the torch, and all that’s taking place between 3 and 4 pm.”

Jefferson says the will have a booth where people can sign up to volunteer.

“We’re going to need about 1,500 volunteers, so we need people to sign up now so we can put on the best Games ever.”

The Games will bring thousands of participants from around BC, 55 and older, to compete in two dozen sports from September 12-16.