Torch to light up day of celebrations in Kuujjuaq

When torchbearers finish their relay through communities, they’ll deposit the torch in this vase-like “caldron.” (PHOTO FROM VANCOUVER2010.COM)

When the Olympic torch touches down in Kuujjuaq Nov. 10, its 8 a.m. arrival will kick off a day of celebrations in Nunavik’s largest community.

Torch bearer Lukasi Tukkiapik starts the relay, which runs from the airport to the Kuujjuaq Forum, by riding on the back of a kamotik pulled by Charlie Watt. Jr.’s dog team.

The three-foot torch, made of stainless steel and aluminum, has a propane-fueled flame guaranteed to burn for up to 15 minutes, even in the coldest temperatures.

After a few minutes, Tukkiapik is to pass the torch to Cindy Koneak and Janie Paquet before Anthony Arreak, the final torch bearer, lights the Olympic cauldron, which looks more like a free-form stainless steel vase, on the stage at the forum.

Those in the crowd will then hear “O Canada” by Pitakallak school’s choir, more songs from Jaanimmarik’s choir as well as official speeches.

And the torch celebrations are slated to go on, even after the torch gets ready to head off to its next stop, Gaspe. in southern Quebec.

The day’s other activities include an arts and crafts marketplace, Inuit sports displays and a feast, which will be followed by karate and circus arts demonstrations and community games.

A hockey game matching players from the Nunavik Youth Hockey Development Program and the Kuujjuaq Bantams wraps up the day.

The 2010 Olympic torch began its 106-day trip Oct. 30, and ends on Feb. 12, 2010, when the torch arrives in Vancouver for the opening ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic games.

The torch relay route will be the longest domestic relay in the Olympic games’ history, stretching over 45,000 km across Canada.

The torch was scheduled to stop down in Kugluktuk on Nov. 5. Its other northern stops include Alert on Nov. 8 and Resolute Bay and Iqaluit on Nov. 9.

For more information on the torch relay, go to http://www.vancouver2010.com