As the countdown to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games continues, plans are well underway in Cochrane to join in the celebrations.

Cochrane is a so-called route community, meaning the torch relay will pass though the town Jan. 20 on its way out to the coast to herald the start of the Games.
A committee called the Red Mitten Campaign is trying to galvanize local groups to support Canadian athletes and the torch by purchasing cases of red mittens emblazoned with the Olympic logo.

According to red mitten committee member Tracy Smyth, her goal is for as many local groups as possible to buy a case of 48, distribute them amongst members or friends, and to line the torch route waving their mittened hands proudly.

Though individuals may purchase a whole case, the mittens are not being sold individually by the town, unless the groups decide to distribute them that way.

“We’re trying to get as many people aware as possible,” said Smyth, who is also manager of recreation, culture and the arts for the Town of Cochrane. “Coming closer to the Games, they’ll be a hot commodity.”

She added some groups have already said they’ll buy a case and on the day the torch comes to town, hand them out to people who don’t have gloves. Individuals may buy the commemorative gloves at Zellers, the Bay or at the online Olympic store.

Smyth said her committee would love to know which Cochrane residents have been picked to carry the torch.

Though the individuals have been notified, Olympic officials won’t reveal their names publicly due to privacy issues.

“But we really want to know who they are and hope they’ll get in touch with us,” Smyth said.

On day 83, Jan. 20, the torch will be carried from Calgary to Springbank and then onto Cochrane. Though the town has not been classed as a “celebration community” meaning there will be no stop, Smyth doesn’t see why residents shouldn’t celebrate regardless.

“Our goal is to plan community involvement and organize public attendance,” she said. “And won’t it be great if we’re all wearing red mittens?”

For more information call 403-851-2533.

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