By Taylor Chartrand

MNP Canada Games Torch Relay stops in Medicine Hat

Jan 12, 2019 | 5:35 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – As part of the official MNP Canada Games Torch Relay, the Roly McLenahan Torch made a pit-stop today in Medicine Hat, ahead of the 2019 Canadian Winter Games in Red Deer.

The relay itself kicked off in Ottawa on October 4th, where the torch was lit by the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill.

Federal MP Glen Motz was in attendance for the lighting of the torch in Ontario.

“It was fantastic,” explained Motz. “They lit the torch with the eternal flame and it was a great experience.”

Motz was also nominated to be an honorary torchbearer in today’s event.

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“This will be the closest thing to Olympic involvement for myself is to carry this torch. It was a great honor to be a part of this and be joined by fellow Hatters.”

This was the first time in the Canada Games’ 52 year history that the torch made its way across Canada, stopping in 50 communities along the way. 

Motz says Medicine Hat should be very proud to have been selected to host this relay.

“There was only 50 communities that got to host the torch relay and I think it says a lot about the community of Medicine Hat. It’s a great feather in the cap of Medicine Hat to be selected.” 

Another torchbearer at the relay was Natasha Carvalho from the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society.

“It was super exciting and I was honored to be nominated,” explained Carvalho.  “I’m a proud Medicine Hatter and I love this community. I was just happy to be able to represent.”

Carvalho says although it was a great experience, she was a little worried going in.

“We were nervous because we heard the torch was seven pounds and we had to walk a fair distance. I thought to myself ‘should I be training for this’, but we managed,” she laughed. “I held it with two hands and I felt very Olympian in a way.” 

The 2019 Canada Winter Games will feature over 150 events in 19 sports and a major arts and cultural festival. Red Deer will welcome up to 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches and an anticipated 100,000 spectators.

The Winter Games begin February 15th and conclude March 3rd.