The torch relay for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games officially got underway on Friday.

Medal-winning Olympians Simon Whitfield and Catriona Le May Doan began the 45,000 kilometer, 106-day journey across Canada. The two were joined by fellow Canadian Olympic medalists Silken Laumann and Alexandre Despatie through the streets of Victoria, where the torch was received from Greece.

"The flame embodies the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship and respect," said Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper. "These values resonate deeply with all Canadians."

The relay is slated to end on February 12, 2010 after going through over 1,030 Canadian communities.

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