Olympic torch will be met with pride, protest

The Olympic flame arrives in B.C. from Greece on Friday to begin its journey across the country and back for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

And waiting to greet the arrival in Victoria will be hundreds of Games supporters, an RCMP security contingent and an unknown number of anti-Olympic protesters.

Several demonstrations are planned for the area around the B.C. legislature as the Olympic torch begins a 106-day national circuit.

One veteran activist said she would be there, but she wouldn't specify any protest tactics.

"Everything from carrying signs to disruption. I can't say what everyone's going to do," Alyssa Westergaard-Thorpe told CBC News.

Security officials said are prepared to bolster their ranks in Victoria, if needed.

"Our torch security team members were chosen based on skills, knowledge, physical abilities needed to address a very unique aspect of this cross-country route," said RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet.

"There's a lot of basic police training, including body-guarding skills [and] general VIP training. Most of the team members have participated in scenario training as well," Paquet said.

Concern about protest crackdown

It's no secret that there are plans to disrupt the torch relay, said Paquet.

"We know what we're in for," he said. "All we can do is provide an appropriate level of protection."

Westergaard-Thorpe said she's worried about the attitude of security personnel.

"That's what I'm concerned about, that they're ready," she said. "That they're ready to make a statement about how they're going to treat protest in the city."

Security officials could have their work cut out for them beyond B.C.'s capital.

Some 12,000 torchbearers will carry the flame about 45,000 kilometres across Canada before its arrival at BC Place Stadium next Feb. 12.