Akwesasne Olympic Torchbearer SELECTION Process Announced

Akwesasne, ONTARIO —The Akwesasne Torchbearer Selection Committee announced that it has launched a process for selecting a torchbearer for the Akwesasne leg of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. Akwesasne residents interested in having the historic opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch in the territory of Akwesasne are being encouraged to submit their interest.

Only one community member will be selected to carry the Olympic Torch along a designated route when it comes to Akwesasne in December 2009.

The Akwesasne Olympic Torchbearer selection process was developed to involve the widest community participation and is open to anyone living in Akwesasne—regardless of jurisdiction or age. The Akwesasne Torchbearer Selection Committee believes that providing all Akwesasne residents with the opportunity to be considered will result in the most deserving and worthy to be chosen. Only one Akwesasne residents will be selected through this process.

The process of selecting an Akwesasne Olympic torchbearer was formulated to consider an individual’s community service, athletic achievements, and their commitment to basic moral principles. Individuals aren’t required to have playing experience; but can have refereeing, coaching or organizing experience for a team or organization. Final selection will be done by the Selection Committee that is comprised of local leaders, educators and community members.

Any Akwesasne resident interested in carrying the Olympic Torch in the community must submit their letter of interest by May 29th.  Letters can be emailed to [email protected], faxed to (613) 575-2884, delivered to MCA’s Administration II Building in Kanatakon, or mailed to:

Akwesasne Torchbearer Selection Committee

c/o Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

P.O. Box 579

Cornwall, Ontario K6H 5T3

In addition to selecting an Akwesasne resident to carry the torch in the community, there are other opportunities for community members to carry the Olympic Flame any where along the 45,000 kilometer national route. If you dream of carrying the torch or being a part of this incredible three-month event, you can apply to be a torchbearer through RBC or Coca-Cola’s public selection programs. Akwesasne youth and community members interested in carrying the Olympic Torch can apply online at http://www.iCoke.ca or at http://www.rbc.com/carrythetorch .

 For information about the Olympic Torch Relay, visit http://www.vancouver2010.com/torchrelay .