At least a few hundred people - armed with umbrellas - braved the rain during the Torch Lighting Ceremony at Bear Creek Park on Thursday.

The event kicked off the 100-day countdown to the 2012 BC Summer Games, which are being held in Surrey from July 19 to 22.

Those who braved the rain to see the torch lit were treated to a plethora of youth performances.

From an elementary school choir to steel drum players to breakdancers and even a flash mob, students from around the Surrey school district came out in full force to show off their talent.

Students from Erma Stephenson Elementary school's choir performed K'naan's "Waving Flag," and later, Grade 5 and 6 students from the school performed on drums they had made out of recycled materials, such as garbage cans.

More than 150 students from Panorama Ridge Secondary and other high schools around the city broke out in dance for a flash mob number to Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger."

The students from various schools all learned the routine via YouTube.

Grade 12 student Dominique Sandhu, from Panorama Ridge Secondary, performed in the flash mob and despite feeling a bit anxious beforehand, she was confident and cool during the performance.

Sandhu is part of her school's dance team, which performs at competitions, and she said flash mobs are more about entertaining - and are just plain fun.

"People hear the music, and wonder what's going on. Then when they realize it's a flash mob, they get really into it," she said.

Sandhu said she and her classmates practised the dance so much she's sure she'll never forget it.

"I definitely don't want to listen to the song anymore," she said with a chuckle. "But it's been so fun, I'll never forget it."

After the performances, several runners took the official flame around the track at Bear Creek Park. Once back at the start line, Mayor Dianne Watts, Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave Hayer and an athlete from Surrey lit the torch and officially kicked off the 100-day countdown.

Global BC's Mark Madryga emceed the event and couldn't resist commenting on the blistery weather conditions.

"I promise sunshine in July when the games are on," he told the crowd with a chuckle.

Bill McNamara, president of the BC Summer Games committee, told the audience that the games are about making an investment in youth.

Surrey Coun. Linda Hepner said when the city first looked at hosting the event, they knew it was a good fit, considering the more than 100,000 youth within the city.

"We are going to call these games "we're game," because I know you are all game," Hepner said to the crowd. "Let's make this the best summer games we've ever seen."

Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts took to the podium and thanked the crowd for coming out, despite the wet conditions.

"We're going to have over 3,000 athletes, 600 coaches, 375 officials and 4,000 volunteers here during the games," Watts said. "This will really bring the competitive spirit to the City of Surrey."

areid@thenownewspaper.com