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Olympic torch burns bright in Clarenville

Harry O'Gay lights the Olympic Cauldron on stage at the Torch Relay celebration in Clarenville. Laura Button photo

Harry O'Gay lights the Olympic Cauldron on stage at the Torch Relay celebration in Clarenville. Laura Button photo

Published on November 12th, 2009
Published on June 29th, 2010
Staff ~ The Packet
Topics :
Regional Events Centre , Clarenville Middle School , Clarenville , Canary Islands , Belize

The Olympic flame came to Clarenville on Saturday morning,

79-year-old Harry O'Gay had the honour of being the final torchbearer, lighting the cauldron in front of a cheering crowd.

"It's hard to explain. It's such an honour to be able to do this," he said. "Emotions are high, it's true."

More than 1000 people came out to the new Regional Events Centre to take part in the celebration, including all eight of O'Gay's children, who travelled from as far away as the Canary Islands and Belize for the event.

"It's a great honour to be chosen for this, and it's a great honour for the ski club that I'm involved in and all the friends in the ski club, my family and all of Clarenville," said Harry.

The Clarenville Middle School choir, a specially-formed Ladies Chorale and two local bands rounded out the VANOC entertainment during the 2-hour event. Mayor Fred Best, MHA Ross Wiseman and federal Minister of Sport Gary Lunn also spoke to the crowd.

For more photos, visit the Olympic Torch photo gallery. Complete coverage in Thursday's Packet.

This story was updated at 10:21 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15

Comments

  • Username
    Nina
    - June 30th, 2010 at 09:20:15

    It was such a pleasure to have been been there to see you accomplish such a mission in your life as this.

    I am sure all your family will share this moment and will use it as a keepsake for the rest of their lives.

    Remembering you and your family

    Love Mike and Nina Donovan

    Submit a Comment

  • Username
    Frank
    - June 30th, 2010 at 09:20:14

    Congratulations Harry, now you can join all of us who have carried the great torch over the years.

    Frank Blackwood
    Calgary Olympics 1987
    Torchbearer
    St. Therese, Quebec

    Submit a Comment

  • Username
    Luisa
    - June 30th, 2010 at 09:20:14

    Congratulations, Harry, on a incredible feat. I wish I could have been there. Enjoy this, as most of us will never be able to do something as meaningful as this.

    Time to enjoy and relax now.

    Submit a Comment

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