‘The Olympic Torch will make a stop in Whitehorse early next month on its 1,000-stop journey across Canada, Mayor Bev Buckway announced today.

On Nov. 3, the yet-to-be announced torch bearers will run with the Olympic Torch through the city to Shipyards Park, where a celebration will be held.

The City of Whitehorse is working with a number of supporters and sponsors, including the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, the Ta'an Kwach'an Council, the Royal Bank of Canada, Coca-Cola and the Yukon government.

"As the minister for tourism, I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of the Olympic Games,” Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor told at a news conference held this morning at the Canada Games Centre.

The territorial government has contributed $75,000 to assist the Yukon's communities that will host the torch.

"We're really thrilled to be able to provide that additional assistance,” Taylor said.

Yukon MP Larry Bagnell said sports are instrumental in the development of Canadians.

"Our youth should have no less opportunity to be the best that they can be than the athletes of the world,” he said.

Gary Bailie, speaking for the Kwanlin Dun, said the torch will be welcomed by the first nations in the community by events and ceremonies to honour its passing through Whitehorse.

"We are very honoured that the torch will be passing through our traditional territory,” said Bailie. "We would like to wish the Olympic Torch a safe journey to its final destination.”

That final destination, of course, is Vancouver, where the Olympics will begin on Feb. 12 and run until Feb. 28.

Ta'an Kwach'an deputy chief Gail Anderson said the first nation will be putting on a demonstration on Feb. 21 at the Games.

"It is important to support and celebrate the Olympics, because for some of our athletes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Anderson.

Whitehorse Beverages, which is sponsoring the event, will follow the torch's path through the Yukon giving out Olympic edition Coke prizes.

"This is going to be a special day for all involved,” said Bill Dallas, the company's general manager. "We are excited to be involved in this celebration.”

This year's torch relay will be the longest-ever relay in history when it sets out from Athens, Greece this month on its trans-atlantic flight to Canada.

It will begin the trip across Canada on Vancouver Island, and work its way up to the Yukon.

Whitehorse will be the third city in Canada to host the flame.

After Whitehorse, the torch will go to Dawson City and Old Crow before leaving the Yukon.

An estimated 12,000 torch bearers will carry the flame on its 14,000- kilometre journey.

Buckway said Yukoners often feel left out from the rest of Canada, but this is one celebration in which the territory is included.

Yukoners can get into the Olympic spirit by participating in the red mitten campaign, the mayor said, by purchasing a pair of red Vancouver 2010 Olympic mittens, available at the Canada Games Centre.

"This time, we're not left out by any means,” she said.

The Olympic celebration began today with Olympic Family Day being held at the games centre all day.

Starting at 6:30 this evening, there will be a chance for the public to meet the Yukon's Olympians, including George Edgelow, Lucy Masson-Steele, Alain Masson, Owen Munroe and Jeane Lassen.