Protesters Force Torch Relay Detour
Posted February 12, 2010 1:15 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Over 100 protesters forced the Olympic torch relay to take an unexpected detour Friday in Vancouver’s downtown east side.
Mounted police managed to stop the demonstrators from getting ahead and stopping the relay as hundreds of fans lined the streets for the event. The Olympic convoy reacted quickly with the last-minute route change.
The protesters were there to take a stand on homelessness and native land rights.
“They ruined it for us. This is for Canada and they ruined it for Canada,” said Kimberley Winkelmans, who went down with friends to see the torch.
“We can never get that moment back. They took it away from us and I’m mad.”
Friday marks the end of 106-day torch relay and the first official day of the 2010 Winter Games. The flame will be used to light the Olympic cauldron at BC Place at the opening ceremonies Friday evening.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger carried the flame earlier in the day in Stanley Park.
With files from the Canadian Press
