Gov. Gregoire helps celebrate as Olympic torch crosses Washington-B.C. border

For Immediate Release: February 9, 2010

PEACE ARCH STATE PARK � Gov. Chris Gregoire this morning joined British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay crossing into Washington state.

�It is such an honor to have Washington state included in this tradition � especially given that this is the only time the torch relay leaves Canada,� Gregoire said. �This celebration demonstrates the strong ties we share with British Columbia. The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the events surrounding them, serve as a powerful reminder that whole nations can compete without hostility � that we can join together to celebrate the human spirit that unites us all.�

This special event marked the only time on its 106-day journey that the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will leave Canada. Jointly managed by the Province and the State of Washington, the Peace Arch monument and surrounding parklands are a grand commemoration to the lasting peace that exists between Canada and the United States.

�The handing of the Olympic Flame from torchbearer to torchbearer across the U.S and Canadian border symbolizes the ties of history, family, commerce and culture that bind our nations, and an abiding friendship that crosses all boundaries,� said Premier Campbell. �British Columbia and Washington have built a relationship that will strengthen our economy, our communities and our home nations for generations, and today�s cross-border section of the torch relay is celebrating that relationship.�

During the Peace Arch celebration, the Olympic Flame was carried by Phil Mahre, U.S. torchbearer and former Olympic downhill skier, as well as Rayne Williams, First Nations torchbearer, and Chamila Anthonypillai, Canadian torchbearer and community fundraiser at Fleetwood Park Secondary School in Surrey, B.C. All three were greeted by Campbell and Gregoire.

In August 2009 a new port of entry facility at the Peace Arch border crossing was opened. This modern and environmentally friendly facility provides improved service to the public crossing the border between Surrey, B.C. and Blaine, Washington, in time for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Once the Olympic Flame arrives at BC Place on February 12 for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the flame will have travelled nearly 28,000 miles across Canada, making this the longest torch relay in history to be contained within the Host Country.

For a map of the Olympic Torch Relay Route and a list of Celebration Community events, please visit: vancouver2010.com.