The Torch Arrival and Official Opening
Credit: Forward Focus Productions Ltd.
Source: Mary Anne McEwen fonds. Crista Dahl Media Library and Archive, VIVO Media Arts Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
Torch bearers Woolly Taylor and Marlene Wong enter B.C. Place Stadium and complete the final leg of the torch run to ignite the Celebration ’90 Flame. A spotlight follows them in the darkened B. C. Place Stadium as they jog towards the stage. The chorus from “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from Les Miserables plays.
Song lyrics: Do you hear the people sing? Then join in the fight.
(The crowd cheers and claps loudly once they spot the torch bearers)
The duo climb a set of stairs to the cauldron. Together they dip their lit torch over the cauldron igniting the Celebration ’90 Flame. As it roars behind them, then turn and wave to the crowd who roar their approval.
As they leave the stage M.P. Svend Robinson moves to the podium. M.C. Robin Tyler stands to one side.
Robinson: OK. We are going to do this together. I want you to repeat the words of the opening declaration after me. We are proud
Crowd: We are proud.
Robinson: I didn’t hear you. We are PROUD!
Crowd: We are proud!
Robinson: To declare Celebration ‘90
Crowd: To declare Celebration ‘90
Robinson: Gay Games III and Cultural Festival
Crowd: Gay Games III and Cultural Festival
Robinson:Officially open!
Crowd: Officially open!
(loud cheers and applause)
Tyler: Thank you. (unintelligible)