SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Two teenagers from the Deh Cho became part of the 2010 Olympic experience when the torch relay made its stop in Yellowknife.

Gordon Thompson, left, of Fort Simpson, is congratulated by Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche after running a leg of the Olympic torch relay in Yellowknife on Nov. 5. - photo courtesy of Mellissa Wood

Dori Ann Lefoin of Fort Providence and Gordon Thompson of Fort Simpson were both chosen by the territorial government to be among the people who carried the torch through the capital city.

"It was very exciting and awesome," said Thompson about the experience.

The Olympic flame arrived on Nov. 5 as part of its 106 day cross-Canada tour. Starting in Ndilo the relay wound its way through the city before ending at Sombe K'e Civic Plaza beside city hall. Approximately 60 people carried torches along the route, most for 300 meters.

Thompson's portion started at the bottom of Pilots' Monument hill which he ran up before passing the flame off to another runner at the top.

The torches easily burst into flames when they touch, said Thompson, 17. He moved at a light jogging pace up the hill along with a police escort and four people from the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) who carried lanterns containing the flame in case a torch accidentally went out.

Quite a few people lined the route and were standing on top of the hill to watch the procession, said Thompson. After passing the flame his torch was shut off with a key. It was all over in approximately three minutes but the memories will last a lot longer.

"I'll remember it for awhile," he said.

"It's not every year you get to run with the Olympic torch."

His torch, which he opted to purchase, will help keep Thompson's memories fresh. The torches are white and silver and have the Olympic rings and the 2010 inukshuk logo on their sides.

"I'd like to thank Kevin Menicoche, VANOC, the GNWT and my dad for making this possible," said Thompson.

Dori Ann Lefoin's turn with the Olympic flame came a bit later in the relay.

Lefoin, 17, carried a torch along a portion of 52nd Avenue.

"I felt so excited and happy," said Lefoin describing her feelings during the relay.

Lefoin said it's a great feeling to be able to say that she's carried the Olympic flame especially since it is going all the way across the country. "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me," she said.