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Country star Shania Twain to carry torch in Timmins
TIMMINS, Ont. - Shania Twain will carry the Olympic torch through her northern Ontario hometown of Timmins.
The pop-country superstar says the honour "is certain to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.''
Twain says on her website that she will carry the flame through the city on Jan. 1, 2010 as part of the Olympic Torch Relay.
The high-profile appearance comes as Twain prepares for a career comeback after her much-publicized break-up with music producer Robert (Mutt) Lange last year.
She's also set to appear on "American Idol'' as a guest judge on the reality singing competition.
Twain said in a release that she is honoured to be a torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics, which run Feb. 12 to 28 in Vancouver.
"I am proud to have been presented this unique opportunity and privilege and look forward to sharing the pride with my hometown and fellow Canadians as we are all proud of our country's chance to host the upcoming Winter Games,'' Twain said.
"I have a tremendous respect for the hard work, dedication and talent of the world's greatest athletes and will humbly carry and pass on the Olympic torch with a special pride for my country's Olympians.
"I am grateful for this special gift of participation in carrying the flame that represents such an incredible spirit of sportsmanship and excellence and wish all the athletes of the 2010 Winter Olympics courage, strength and triumph during the Games.''
The torch will visit over 1,000 communities and will be carried by 12,000 people on a 45,000-kilometre journey.
Oct 16, 2009 | 11:53 PM ET
I have an issue with Shania Twain carrying the torch..I strongly believe a Timmins athlete should be carrying it in order to keep the athletic spirit alive. It's not the Olympics for singers and stars. We have a lot of athletes to choose from. There are young hockey players who have made their mark in th sport. Skiiers, swimmers and special olympians who have actually won gold in Olympic games. Heck we even have an older athlete who were at the olympics in 1976. Although I like Shania and her music she really hasn't paid Timmins much attention over the years..a couple of donations to her school and the food bank. Selection committee..bad choice.
Oct 02, 2009 | 1:53 AM ET
She looks forward to sharing the pride with fellow Canadians? Isn't she Swiss now??? She was a die hard Canadian when she was trying to get her career going. Once she was known outside the country, she was off to bigger and better things. Who else did that??? Oh yeah right....Avril Lavigne. Her mentor!!! This is a joke. I agree, it should have been somebody who actually contributed to Timmins. She doesn't deserve this.
Oct 01, 2009 | 10:52 PM ET
Hilarious that she's gonna judge a "reality singing contest" when she wouldn't know the first thing about singing live...or just singing, for that amtter. Go home, Eilleen.
Oct 01, 2009 | 5:19 PM ET
I think that instead of giving this honour to her they should have given it to someone who actually lives in Timmins and has made a difference in the lives of the people there.Maybe a someone who is a volunteer or somebody who is disabled and is an inspiration to others.While I personally have absolutely nothing against Shania Twain I don't think she has even lived in Timmins in ages.Just my opinion though.
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