Commemorating the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus, the Olympic flame has long been a symbol of athletic competition.

The Crowsnest Pass witnessed its own symbolic flame on Wednesday, Feb. 4 with a Torch Relay to celebrate the community's participation in the first ever Alberta 55+ Winter Games.

Chinook Lake/Allison Trails has been chosen as the venue to hold the cross-country skiing competitions on Feb. 20 and 21.

Organizer Wayne Street of Lethbridge said holding the torch relay in places where the races are held gives those communities an opportunity to participate in the event and generates excitement and awareness of the games.

Lethbridge, Pincher Creek and the Crowsnest Pass are host cities.

Runners Rick and Pam Somerville, and Flora Griffith took part in the four-kilometre relay from the ATCO Gas building in Blairmore to the municipal office in Coleman.

ATCO is a major sponsor of the Torch Relay and the Alberta 55+ Winter Games.

To volunteer for the winter games, contact the Crowsnest Pass Cross Country Ski Club President Neil Chalmers for details.