July 07, 2014 (Prince George, BC) – The 2015 Canada Winter Games Host Society is looking for torchbearers to help Illuminate the North, as part of the 2015 Games Torch Relay. Nominations for one of the 150 torchbearer positions in the Torch Relay are now being accepted in four nomination categories: youth, sport, culture and community.

“The opportunity to nominate yourself or an inspiring person in your life to be a torchbearer gives individuals the chance to contribute to the legacy of the 2015 Canada Winter Games in northern BC,” says Stuart Ballantyne, CEO of the 2015 Canada Winter Games. “Whether that is your coach, a community builder, an exceptional youth or yourself – this special distinction is a fitting tribute to someone who has supported you in your life’s passion.”

One hundred and fifty people have the opportunity to carry the Roly McLenahan Canada Games Torch as part of the 2015 Games Torch Relay.

The Torch will be lit in Ottawa on October 15, 2014 on Parliament Hill as part of Canada Games tradition, and then will make its way west and will ceremoniously land in Victoria on October 17, 2015, and travel north, passing through previous Canada Games Host Cities, Burnaby/New Westminster and Kamloops. On November 4, 2014–which marks 100 days until the 2015 Games-the tour to Illuminate the North will begin in Prince George at the newly designed Canada Games Plaza. The 2015 Games Torch Relay will then journey thousands of kilometers across northern BC leading up to the 2015 Games Opening Ceremonies on February 13.

“Nominating community leaders and role models to carry the torch is a great way to honour those who inspire us,” says Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “The Torch Relay will ignite enthusiasm for the 2015 Canada Winter Games throughout the province and showcase the tremendous spirit of those who make BC’s north their home.”

“We have many fantastic and inspiring people in our community and region,” Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond says. “Nominating someone to have a chance to carry the torch during the 2015 Games Torch Relay is a wonderful way to celebrate those who make a real difference and give them a very special memory of the 2015 Games.”

“The Torch Relay will recognize those who work every day to make our community a better place,” Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris says. “I encourage people to nominate someone as a torchbearer. It’s a positive way to show your excitement for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.”

Information on the 2015 Canada Winter Games Torch Relay and how to nominate a torchbearer is available at www.canadagames2015.ca.