The Terry Fox Run will go on as planned.
After running the risk of not even being held after Scott McWalter stepped down as lead organizer after serving the past five years, the event was brought new life as Ryley Newman was announced as taking on the vacated position.
In an announcement held at the site of the Terry Fox statue in downtown Prince George, Newman was introduced, allowing McWalter to breathe a sigh of relief.
Scott McWalter announces Ryley Newman as the new lead organizer for the #TerryFoxRun in Prince George.#CityofPG @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/5Oc89stpMG
— Ethan Ready ?️ (@EthanReady) August 9, 2019
“It feels absolutely remarkable,” McWalter told MyPGNow. “And not just somebody stepping forward as my successor in the role of lead organizer, but somebody that I’m confident with do a phenomenal job, who’s passionate about the Terry Fox Foundation, and has a wealth of experience working with other non-profits and other events that are designed to raise a lot of money.”
Newman, who has served in the role as Event Chair for the Relay for Life in the Northern Capital, said it was his childhood experience that led to his desire to take on the role with the Terry Fox Run.
“It meant a lot to me as a kid, and I want to make sure that generations to come have that opportunity to partake as well,” Newman said.
With 2019 marking 40 years since Terry Fox used Prince George as a training ground to prepare himself for his Marathon of Hope across Canada, the risk of it being canceled was even more worrisome given the added meaning to the year’s event.
“The opportunity came and the stars came in line on that one for the first year of myself being a part of this big event, it’s really neat,” Newman said of his thoughts of himself getting involved in a milestone year.
McWalter will still be working behind the scenes of the Terry Fox Run, providing support to Newman in ensuring this year’s event is a success.
“I think regardless of who stepped forward in the role, I’d want to make sure they still had somebody with experience of the last five years for support. It’s Ryley’s show now, and he’s going to be the face of the Terry Fox Run moving forward. There’s no shortage of people, volunteers, and supporters who want to get out and help Ryley to make the event a success.”
This years event will take place on Sunday, September 15.
Those interested in participating or donating can do so by visiting the Prince George page on the Terry Fox Foundation’s website.
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