Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see the names of the people selected form the first draw on a website?

We will begin posting the first initial and surnames of the Olympic Torchbearers selected through the first draw of the RBC Carry the Torch contest on rbc.com/carrythetorch beginning early September.

How many participants will be/were selected in the first and second draws?

A total of 2,010 participants have been selected in the first draw on April 17th and another 533 will be selected in the second draw after the contest closes on July 15th. If your name was not selected in the first draw, you are automatically still eligible for the second draw. If your name was selected, you will be contacted within four weeks time of the date of the draw. See contest rules for more details.

I received the notification email about being selected as a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer but I don’t have access to a printer. Can I e-mail my reply?

No, we must have your signature and details filled out on the Declaration and Release form, including the answer to the skill testing question.

When will the torchbearers find out the exact time and location of their segment of the relay?

If you are confirmed as a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer, you will receive the exact time and location of your segment of the relay six weeks prior to your date of participation.

How many participants have been selected for each day of the relay?

Click here to find a chart  that lists each day of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay (102 days in total) and the corresponding number of available RBC Carry the Torch Contest torchbearer spots for that day.

My name was selected during the first draw but I can no longer participate as a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer – who can I call? Can I give someone else my spot?

Unfortunately, torchbearer spots are non transferable. If your name was selected, you will receive a notification email if you applied online or via registered mail if you applied by paper. There will be contact information provided for each method, please use those details to inform us of your withdrawal.

If I was not selected on the first draw, am I still eligible for the second one?

Yes – if you are not selected in the first draw, your entry automatically remains in the eligible pool for the second draw occurring after the contest closes on July 15th.

When does the second draw take place?

The second draw will take place after the contest closes on July 15th. Please view our Contest Rules for further detail.

When will I find out more information regarding the collection point, running date, running time, torch purchase, photos, what happens during relay time, uniforms, personal items, route, information guide, security, pre-relay information, Torchbearer shuttle, etc.?

If you are confirmed as a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer, the above details will be provided to you by VANOC beginning in June through to February 2010 as they come available. Stay Tuned!

What is RBC’s involvement with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay?

RBC is a co-presenting sponsor of the Olympic Torch Relay. We have a proud heritage of supporting community initiatives, and the Olympic Torch Relay is an ideal way to recognize many inspirational-minded people who will pledge to make Canada a better place.

As Canada’s longest-standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic team, we’re pleased give Canadians the chance to participate in this Olympic celebration, the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

How many communities are there involved in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay?

The Olympic Flame will visit 1,020 communities and places of interest during its journey towards Vancouver for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Over 90 per cent of the Canadian population will be within a 1-hour drive to a community that the Olympic Flame will visit. Nearly 200 of those communities will host regional celebrations.

How old do you have to be to participate in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay?

The minimum age to participate is 13 at the time of the start of the relay (October 30, 2009). As part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay experience, participants will be required to carry the Olympic Flame on their own and will be required to participate in approximately two to three hours of programming. In order to ensure the safety of torchbearers, the minimum age for the public selection programs was set at 13, which is an age at which individuals can act independently and without the supervision of others.

How many torchbearers will be selected to run with the Olympic Flame?

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will involve 12,000 torchbearers and travel 45,000 km over 100 days. The relay route will visit every province and territory in Canada and will be accessible by a 1-hour drive by over 90% of the Canadian population.

How many torchbearer positions does RBC have?

RBC has 4500 torchbearer spots to be allocated among a number of programs and initiatives.

How will RBC select their torchbearers?

In the summer of 2009, we’ll randomly select the RBC torchbearers from the eligible applications we’ve received. Successful torchbearers will be notified at that time by phone or by email at the number(s) and address provided in their application forms.

If I am selected as a torchbearer, how far will run with the torch?

Each torchbearer will carry the torch approximately 300 to 400 meters. Torchbearers will be able to carry the torch at their own pace. If desired, those with disabilities can request assistance with carrying the torch for their segment.

Do torchbearers have to run the whole distance allocated to them?

No, torchbearers are encouraged to take their Relay leg at their own pace. You’ll be free to walk or rest briefly if you need to.

Where will I carry the Olympic Flame?

During the torchbearer application process, you’ll be asked to select two days during which you’ll be available to participate (you may select the same day twice). Due to the complex logistical arrangements and massive scope of this event, we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to take part on the day you’ve chosen, but we’ll make every effort to see that this is the case. We’ll let you know the exact time and location of your run before the event.

If I am not selected on the first draw, am I still eligible for the second one?

Yes, there will be two separate draws. If you are not selected in the first draw, your entry remains in the eligible pool for the second draw. Keep those fingers crossed.

Is RBC covering the costs of transportation and accommodation for selected torchbearers to their torchbearer location?

No, torchbearers will be responsible for their own travel costs in getting to their collection point on the relay.

What do I wear as an Olympic Torchbearer?

Before the event, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) will give you an official uniform which you must wear while participating as an Olympic Torchbearer. No visible company logos or brand names can be worn (e.g. on sweatbands, hats, etc.) with the uniform.

Can I wear weather-appropriate clothing (e.g. jumper, tights) to keep myself warm during my run?

Yes, torchbearers can wear clothing under the torchbearer uniform. Please ensure the clothing is free of sponsorship logos and that it cannot be seen through your official uniform.

If I am selected, can I transfer my torchbearer spot to someone else?

No, transfers or substitutions of torchbearer spots are allowed. Torchbearer spots or uniforms may not be sold or transferred and are not convertible to cash.

Can I move my torchbearer running location to another day, town or street?

No. We’d like to accommodate everyone’s wishes regarding the time and place of their run, but unfortunately, because of the complexity and size of the event, you won’t be able to change your torchbearer position to another location or your run to another day once these have been decided on.

Can my friends and family watch me run?

Yes. Before the event, we’ll let you know where you’ll be running, and we’ll also give you an estimate of the time when you’ll be starting, so you’ll be able to let your friends and family know when and where you’ll be taking part.

Can my friends and family run with me during my segment of the Relay?

For security reasons, no family or friends will be able to complete your section of the Relay with you. They may follow the Torch Relay, but only by staying on the side of the Relay path and following the directions of a Torch Relay representative.

How will I know what to do on the day of the event?

We understand that you may be anxious about your participation in the Torch Relay, but there is no need to worry. On the day of the event, you will be met by an RBC Torch Relay representative at a designated meeting place called the “collection point.” They’ll give you instructions on the event -- how to carry a torch, what to do in case of any complications, and so on. From here, you will board a Torchbearer shuttle bus that will drop you off at the beginning of your section. A Torch Relay representative will be with you at all times.

If it is raining or snowing, will I still carry the Olympic Flame?

Yes, the Olympic Torch Relay will go ahead even in the case of bad weather. In case of extreme conditions (e.g. flooding, hail, etc.) we’ll let you know by phone of any changes to the schedule.

What if I require a wheelchair or other assistance to participate in the Relay as a torchbearer?

Once you are selected as a torchbearer, you will be asked to provide us with details about assistance that meets your needs prior to your participation in the relay With this information we will assign a specially designated Torch Relay representative to assist you in completing your leg of the Relay. As an example, if you require a wheelchair to carry a torch you do not need to worry about the logistics of attaching the torch to your wheelchair, as this has already been designed.

Do you have to pay to be a torchbearer?

There is no charge to be a torchbearer. However, transportation costs and related expenses will be covered by the Torchbearer.

Will torchbearers be running continuously throughout the country?

No. In order to make this the most inclusive and extensive torch relay as possible, and in order to visit as many communities as possible, the Olympic Flame will be carried by torchbearers in the populated areas and transported (by car, plane or other means) between the communities.

Will torchbearers get to keep their Torch? Or how much will it cost?

The torchbearers will have the opportunity to purchase the torch they carry. The costs of this have not yet been set because the Olympic Torch design has not yet been finalized.

Who is designing the Torch?

In June 2008, Bombardier was announced as the organization that would design and manufacture the Olympic Torch and Olympic Cauldrons for Vancouver 2010. The Torch will be unveiled in 2009.

What date does the Relay start?

The Olympic Flame will arrive in Canada on October 30, 2009, in Victoria, British Columbia.

Who is VANOC?

VANOC is the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. VANOC was incorporated on September 30, 2003, to support and promote the development of sport in Canada by planning, organizing, financing and staging the XXI Olympic Winter Games and X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010.

For additional FAQ’s for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

Visit www.vancouver2010.com