Torch arrives in Saugeen Shores amid a blizzard

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People lined the route to catch a glimpse of the Olympic Torch

The first sighting of the Torch motorcade through blowing snow

Many of the Williams-Condy-Farrell families came out to cheer on 'grandpa' Brian

It was touch and go as to whether or not the Olympic Torch would make it through on Monday as high winds, heavy and blowing snow and frigid temperatures created extensive white-out conditions and icy roads.

Despite the severe weather, thousands lined the torch route for hours waiting for the first glimpse of, what would be for most, a once-in-a-lifetime close-up of an Olympic Torch.

Through the blowing snow, a stream of flashing lights could be seen as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) vehicles lead the way for the Olympic and sponsor motorcade.

The first torch lighting took place at Concession 6 (a.k.a. CAW Road) with Canadian Sportscaster, Brian Williams, holding the torch as his young grandsons waited to run with him.  While the torch flame is fed by propane, the strong winds of Bruce County blew it out three times before Williams finally had to run on the lea side of a vehicle to shelter him and the torch.

People were bundled against the cold and were barely recognizable, but everywhere there was red and white.  Red toques and mitts, white coats and scarves greeted the torchbearers who were entirely dressed in Olympic white and red.

Port Elgin and Southampton  took the weather in stride as they turned out in droves for the auspicious occasion.

Following the torch run through Saugeen Shores, most of the torchbearers returned to 'The Plex' Recreation Centre in Port Elgin to be met by more than a thousand people who filled the stands.  

Wheelchair Paralympian, Josh Cassidy and Gold Medal [blind] Paralympian, Rick Carr of the Saugeen Track and Field Club (STFC), both took part in the closing ceremonies,  Both athletes, and each of the torchbearers, signed a special  'athletes' book that will remain in Saugeen Shores.

The local Olympic Torch organizing committee worked diligently since July to ensure that this very unique occasion would bring the community together, not only locally but in a Canadian sense.

First lighting of the Saugeen Shores torch held by Brian Williams

Heavy snows and high wind

Saugeen Track & Field Club founders, Earl (rt) and Geordie Farrell , co-organizes of Torch arrival events, with Olympic Torch and Williams

Holly Vanderzwet of Fitness Centre and husband, Frank, (rt) have chance to hold Torch

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Tuesday, December 29, 2009