Fans of Winter Olympics Games and winter sports came out to watch a mini-relay of a torch afire — an iconic and symbolic activity that helps to kick off the start of winter and summer Olympic Games — on Saturday morning from Santa Clarita’s city hall to the Cube, an Ice and Entertainment Center in Valencia.
The torch relay — about 3.2 miles or almost a 5K — was part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California and included runners form Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, as well as students and teachers from Santa Clarita area.
The relay was followed by a “Winter Games Celebration,” an outdoor event at the Cube presented by the City of Santa Clarita. Attendees were invited to watch a large-screen broadcast of sporting events at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Local athletes, who have participated in the particular sport being shown on the screen, gave insider details on training and techniques. The educational festival also included arts and crafts activities for children about winter sports.
The festival shifted from outside to inside ice rink venues for attendees to watch demonstrations on curling, ice skating and speed skating. There was also an opportunity to participate in a hockey or a skate school lesson.
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opened on Friday and will continue though Feb. 20. Coming next month: The 2022 Beijing Paralympic Winter Games, March 4-13.
For more information: The Cube, 27745 Smyth Drive, Valencia. www.thecubesantaclarita.com. Calendar of events in Santa Clarita, calendar.santa-clarita.com