In February 2010, the Winter Olympics will be held for the first time in Canada since the games were held in Calgary in 1988. And, once again the flame which was originally lit in the birthplace of the Olympics – Greece - is now making its way across Canada, by torch relay, to its final destination. This time, it is in Vancouver, BC.
The flame arrived in the GTA this past week and on Saturday, Day 51 of the torch relay, it was going to be passing through Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and Hamilton. This was exciting not only because we could witness this historic torch relay so close to home, but that we had a direct and very special connection – Torchbearer #156.
Mark was one of the fortunate individuals who had been selected to be a part of the journey – an experience to treasure. Fortunately, we could all share the experience with him…and we did - in full force! The streets were lined with family, friends, co-workers, and strangers with a common bond – sharing the Olympic spirit of friendship and peace.
Home-made posters, flags, banners, bells, whistles, cameras, and tons of Olympic spirit were ready to cheer him along the relay route. The excitement was contagious and the chill in the air was forgotten. What a day! I couldn’t have been more proud and more inspired. Thanks to all those who were there in person and to those cheering along from home!
A very short video of Mark’s final steps before passing off the flame to the next torchbearer:
I think we’ll be celebrating all over again when the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic cauldron at BC Place occurs on February 12th…as it just happens to be Mark’s birthday as well. From my very biased mindset - how apropos!
Citius, Altius, Fortius….Swifter, Higher, Stronger
Let the games begin…
Photos along the relay segment taken by friends and family. P.S. Thanks Jacques…for those big-lens shots!
3 comments:
Wow, another way to relive an amazing day! Congratulations to Mark! A huge thank you to you both for sharing your special honour with us all. Proud to be Canadian and so Proud of our Family!!! You have some really awesome pics.
Catherine & Meredith, Meghan, Mark and Sarah xo
Seeing these pictures brings back all our excitement of the day and being proud to know and love the torchbearer!
Also, we found out yesterday, that we know a member of the Women's Olympic Hockey Team - #25 -Tessa Bonhomme, from Sudbury Ontario. So GO CANADA GO!
Thanks for sharing the pics and video, I've been waiting for you blog after not being able to be there in person and having technical difficulties trying to see it online. What a day! Congrats again. Go Canada! I hope I get to see that torch one day.
Kyla
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