Olympic torch relay weaves through Metro Vancouver

With just four days to go until the 2010 Winter Games begin, the Olympic torch relay is rolling through the suburbs of Metro Vancouver, en route to the opening ceremony at BC Place on Friday afternoon.

After spending Sunday night in Abbotsford, the relay passed through Mission and Maple Ridge on Monday morning, crossing the Golden Ears Bridge on its way to Langley for a noon-hour celebration.

In the afternoon the flame travelled east to Aldergrove, then headed west again to Surrey andarrived at the official Celebration Site at Holland Park at 7 p.m., where a Surrey "community cauldron" was lit by Olympic wrestling gold medallist Daniel Igali.

On Tuesday morning the torch will cross briefly into the United States at the Peace Arch border crossing before continuing on its journey through Delta, New Westminster and Tsawwassen and Ladner, to finish the day in Richmond during an evening event at the official O-zone celebration site.

On Wednesday the torch will move to the North Shore of Vancouver, passing though Bowen Island, the Capilano Reserve, and North Vancouver, before arriving in West Vancouver for an evening event at the recreation centre.

Then on Thursday the torch will head to northeastern parts of Metro Vancouver, travelling through Belcarra, Anmore and Coquitlam, then heading back west into Burnaby, the Musquem Reserve and UBC, before ending up at the Yaletown LiveCity site in downtown Vancouver for an evening celebration.

Finally on Friday the torch relay will start the day again on the North Shore of Vancouver, cross the Lions Gate Bridge, and then weave throughdowntown and East Vancouver, before returning through the OlympicVillageand Granville Islandon its final leg to the openingceremonies at BC Place.

Extra tickets may be released

Meanwhile Olympic officials say it's possible more tickets will become available for the opening ceremonies and other events at the Games.

VANOC vice-president Caley Denton said a dress rehearsal on Monday will determine if any extra seats can be freed up at BC Place Stadium, and more seats at other venues may also become available after the first few events are held.

The Olympic Games run from Feb. 12 to 28.