The 2019 Western Canada Summer Games are right around the corner, and the excitement ramped up over the long weekend with the 'Share the Spirit' torch relay.

The Games serve not only as Swift Current's event, but the whole southwest's. That was evident as the three legs of the relay showcased three different southwest venues ahead of the semi-national event.

The relay had 25 torchbearers trek around Swift Current, Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, and Lac Pelletier Regional Park.

"We wanted to get everybody excited for the Games, share the spirit, and showcase the scenery of southwest Saskatchewan - showing the area where we're hosting the Games," said Carla Congdon, the volunteer torch relay committee chair for the Games.

"We're pretty proud of our area, and what we have to offer, so that was part of the torch relay." 

The 25 torchbearers were nominated and selected based on a several criteria, providing a diverse background and age of those participating.

Congdon notes the candidates shone as either an outstanding athlete, volunteer, community figure, or for their inspiration.

Swift Current - August 3:

Aleah Nickel - Walk/Run
Harv Martinez - Walk/Run
Hunter Berg - Wheel
Jackie Maffenbeier - Run/Walk
Jeff Chambers - Walk/Run
Linda Ellerington - Run/Walk
Mailyn Leyeza - Run/Walk
Nolan Paradis - Walk
Ty Zinger - Walk/Run

Lac Pelletier Regional Park- August 4:

Darby-Jayne Fletcher - Canoe/Kayak
Ella Toles - Canoe/Kayak
James Bobick - Runner
Ken Friesen - Run/Walk
Michelle McKenzie - Walk
Margo Zerr - Walk
Sara Kuntz - Walk/Run
Tyrel Farnsworth - Canoe/Kayak

Sask Landing Provincial Park- August 5:

Allen Graves - Walk/Run
Alexandria Boss - Walk
B'yauling Toni - Cyclist
Elliot Duncalfe - Swim, Walk/Run
Eve Boss - Walk
Lindsay Alliban - Walk/Run
Rosalie Flynn - Walk
Scott Joseph - Walk/Run

Full torchbearer bios can be seen here.

"We're less than a week out - I think it's really going to make people who are watching realize what a really big event we have coming here," Congdon said on the significance of the torch relay.

"It's building the excitement and just getting everybody ready for the Games."

The official start of the 2019 WCSG is just over a day away - the opening ceremonies run Friday night in Swift Current.

The torchbearers aren't done serving in that role just yet, as they will be lighting a cauldron at the iPlex during the opening ceremonies to signal the official kickoff of the games.

The opening ceremonies for the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games kicks off Friday at 7 p.m. - doors open at 5:30.