Olympic Torch Relay Kick-Off and Safe Communities Designation Ceremonies

On Friday, May 15th, the Town of Midland will be celebrating two significant events in Little Lake Park – the official designation of Midland as a Safe Community and the Kick off to the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay later this year.

Beginning at 10:00 am on May 15th, Little Lake Park will be the site of the signing of the Safe Communities Official Declaration and a chance to recognize two former Olympians from Midland – Angela Schmidt Foster who participated in the 1988 Calgary Olympics in Cross Country Skiing and Felix Cappella who participated in Race Walking in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. In addition, RBC will present Fattah Stanley who will be participating in the 2012 London Olympics in Track and Field.

The special guest speaker will be Paul Kells whose address is titled “The Key to Safety.” Paul’s message is known and respected across Canada as especially relevant to all students about the important of safety everywhere.

Following the official ceremonies local students from schools in Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny Township, Tay Township and Christian Island will have the opportunity to participate in events and displays such as the Fire Departments Smoke House, Midland Police Services, Bike Helmet Safety, Seatbelts/Booster seats, OSAID, WSIB Safe Community Incentive Program, Tobacco Prevention, Try it Game, School Bus Surf Shop Safe Skateboarding, Paramedics, Community Emergency Response Team, Corrections Officers Dog demo, Wendat, Good for Life, RCMP, CFB Borden, Ronald McDonald in person, Ste. Marie Among the Hurons, Lacrosse Demo, Georgian Bay Search and Rescue, Midland Service Canada, Midland Power and Sail Squadron, Askennonia Senior Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association, Autograph session with the Olympians, RBC Pledge Wall, Boys and Girls Club, Face Painting and much more.

The public is cordially invited to attend this very special twin celebrations of two significant positive community events. Over thirty community organizations have participated in the leadership table process that has resulted in the designation of Midland as a Safe Community under the capable leadership of Co-chairs Adele Payne and Peter DeCourcey. The Midland Olympic Torch Relay Committee under the direction of Chair Councillor Zena Pendlebury is working diligently planning for the mid-day stop of the Olympic Torch in Midland on December 29th on it’s way to Vancouver. This special event will heighten the awareness of the arrival of the Olympic flame. Joining Midland in the arrival are representatives from Christian Island, the Town of Penetanguishene, and the Township of Tay and Tiny for an exciting North Simcoe community celebration.

Join your friends and neighbours in Little Lake Park for these exciting events from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.