Spruce Meadows president, and 1996 Canadian Olympian, Linda Heathcott will carry the Olympic Torch in Jonquière, Quebec on December 1st. Heathcott, a former Canadian Equestrian Team member from 1985 through to her retirement following the Atlanta Games, jumped at the opportunity offered to former Canadian Olympians to be a part of the torch relay and celebrations leading up to the 2010 Vancouver/Whistler Games.
“The Olympic Torch relay as we know it today really traces its roots to the 1988 Games in Calgary. It does so much to capture the spirit of the Games, build Olympic pride and create momentum. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate,” said Heathcott while traveling to the Saguenay region of Quebec to prepare for her leg of the run.
In 2010 Spruce Meadows will celebrate its 35th Anniversary of hosting international sport. Since opening in 1975 Spruce Meadows has hosted athletes from 45 nations. In 2009 the venue organized and hosted five FEI sanctioned tournaments, offered over $6 million in prize money and attracted 440,000 fans.