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Olympic torch coming to Namao

When the Olympic torch swings within a few metres of Namao School next week, most students won’t get a chance to see it. The Olympic torch will pass by Wednesday Jan.

When the Olympic torch swings within a few metres of Namao School next week, most students won’t get a chance to see it.

The Olympic torch will pass by Wednesday Jan. 13, running for about 300 metres along Highway 37 right out in front of the school, but because of a previously scheduled staff meeting students are being dismissed early.

They are being encouraged to come back, but buses will be departing about three hours before the torch comes through.

The flame will swing past the school sometime between 2:30 and 3 p.m.

Deputy superintendent Gerry Schick said the early dismissal days are scheduled long in advance and changing them simply wasn’t feasible.

“What looks like a little change can become really complicated, because it leads to a lot of other little changes.”

He said parents often schedule medical or dental appointments for those days and the board is already getting interest in the next school year’s calendar.

With the school board’s regular dismissal scheduled for the same time as the torch run, Schick concedes it would have been great if the torch had come by on any other day.

“It probably would have been ideal.”

He said the school board only became aware of the run on Dec. 16 and there was not enough time to make the necessary changes.

“With the Christmas break coming up we didn’t have the time to really change everything like that.”

There will still be a welcoming committee for the torch as county officials are working with the Namao Agricultural Society and the Edmonton Garrison on a roadside ceremony.

Calli Stromner, a spokesperson for the county, said they are thrilled to be hosting the torch, even if only for a few minutes.

“We are really happy to have this opportunity for our residents.”

Stromner said the county is advising people to get to the site before 2:30 p.m. because the highway will be closed in advance.

Namao Hall will be open for the event, serving hot chocolate. Soldiers from the Edmonton Garrison are expected to attend along with their equipment.

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