SHERBROOKE: Celebrations for the Jeux du Canada 2013/Canada Games 2013 were officially launched on February 2 in the three host cities: Magog, Sherbrooke and Coaticook. The official lighting of the Torch took place on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, For Tom Quinn, President of the Council for Canada Games 2013, “the lighting of the torch is an important step for the Host Cities of the Canada Games. It is the beginning of the flame’s voyage across Quebec and will contribute to spreading the excitement about these games throughout the province. The Roly Mclenahan Torch is a modern Canadian icon which represents the sporting and cultural elements of the Games. During the next six months, the lighting of and the flame relay of the Canada Games 2013 will incite memorable moments which will be added to the heritage of the Canada Games”.

On this very special occasion, we notice the presence of the former mayor of Sherbrooke, Jean Perrault who added: “The dream of Sherbrooke 2013 was born more than five years ago. Initially carried by the audacity, the initiative and the perseverance of a small group of people, this dream will now be shared with all of Quebec, thanks to the lighting of and the relay of the flame”.

Monique F. Leroux, President of the Canada Summer Games 2013 and President and Chief Manager of Mouvement Desjardins, wanted to set the tone: “These celebrations will give us a beautiful amount of energy to take up the challenges to come. The numbers of volunteers that have approached us gives us a strong feeling of unity within this formidable team! Together, we will make the Canada Games an unforgettable event, marked with the beautiful spirit of co-operation between everyone involved”.

The population of the Eastern Townships will be taking part in great numbers, whether it is at Point Merry (Magog) at the Fête des Neiges, or in Sherbrooke at Parc Jacques-Cartier or in Coaticook at the Parc de la Gorge in the presence of the mayors of the three respective host cities: Vicki May Hamm (Magog); Bernard Sévigny (Sherbrooke); and Bertrand Lamoureux (Coaticook). The tourist train, the Orford-Express, ran making the Magog-Sherbrooke connection throughout the festivities, in order to ensure the transport of organizers and the elected officials.

Also revealed was the new public image of the host committee: “VIVEZ-LIVE IT”, with the participation of the sponsors and the partners of the Games which officially launched the Quebec Torch Relay through 40 provincial towns. The Canada Summer Games 2013 will be held in Sherbrooke, August 2- 17, with the opening ceremony on August 2.

Information: www.jeuxducanada2013.ca or 819-823-2013