Make that 97 days left! Usually when I write about a major event, I am not among the participants; however, Tuesday night, November 4th wasn’t just any spectacle; it was a mammoth celebration where many Prince George residents captured the moment. I was very fortunate to be among 37 torch bearers that took to the downtown area streets for the 100 day countdown to the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
This was a unique special experience and it really put into context just how quickly this historic event will be upon us. All the torchbearers had a meet and greet at the YMCA for an hour and half prior to descending on the journey. We were prepped with rules and regulations by members of the friendly CWG committee, given a toque and jacket and all had a photo while holding the torch. Just prior to 5pm we loaded on a bus realizing we were all on the same team even if we didn’t know the names of everybody that was on the trip.
The protocol was at each stop for one person to get off the bus, take the torch from the previous person and either walk, jog or run for about three minutes carrying the eight pound torch in a hand held high in the air. Once that task was completed, that individual(s) would get back on the bus. My call came at 5:42 halfway up McBride between 10th and 7th.
It’s hard to describe what that moment was like but after absorbing the enthusiasm one could only feel a direct bond and connection to the Games. In addition, all the torch bearers when returning to the bus were greeted with a mammoth applause and high five’s. Hearing those cheers made one feel like they had just scored an overtime goal.
While sitting in the bus, travelling at a slow pace, and seeing many well-wishers on the streets and in front of their homes, it felt like we were part of the Santa Claus parade getting to play the role of Santa, waving back and forth. It also reminded me of Christmas time at Candy Cane Lane in Prince George where everybody is in a jovial mood admiring the scenery.
On the bus, I sat beside Ariadne Holness de Hiller. I never met her before but I knew of her three children that excelled in speed skating. Her 17-year-old twins, Carolina and Nico Hiller had just qualified last weekend to compete at next year’s CWG. Her 19-year-old son, Lucas Hiller, was
two months too old to qualify but he has also succeeded in the sport. Ariadne is a sport leader for short track speed skating at the Games and along with her husband, Bruce, has dedicated countless volunteer hours. Her idol is former Olympic and Canada Games champion Catriona Le May Doan, who was also on the bus and the last runner to bring in the torch to a thunderous welcome at Canada Games Plaza.
Ariadne, a Geologist who moved to Canada from Panama 20 years ago, was extremely emotional when she got her turn to carry the torch. “I’m so excited. This is something very special that I will never forget. All of our (Blizzard speed skating) club was there, the skaters and members and they were cheering. I lost it. It was amazing. I just cry all the way.”
Wendy Pollard sat right behind me on the bus. She is the Manager, Athlete and Participant Services for the Winter Games and also was a torch bearer. “It’s hard to talk. I’m pretty emotional. It’s been a long time for me. I’ve been working on the Games since the bid and I’m just so proud to be part of this.”
Wendy also admitted “I need a glass of wine.”
Soccer guru Gaetano Mauro, who has attended six World Cups, was sitting four rows ahead of me. He also carried the torch. I have known Gaetano for 35 years and he has been a resident of P.G. since 1960. “I watched Olympics and other events. I never thought I could get that feeling. I’m excited, I have goose bumps all over me thinking about holding that torch and representing not only Prince George but all of Canada, and for a guy like me that has come from Italy and representing my new country it means so much to me.”
Carrying the torch is a morale booster and a celebration of the human spirit. Even though the 2015 CWG aren’t until February, Prince George residents are already feeling a sense of pride, gratification and honor. Let the countdown continue.
Photo: Hartley with the torch joined by his daughter Lexine.
From the Quote Rack:
First it was Nate Burleson who broke his arm while reaching for pizza as he drove. Now, DeAngelo Hall has re-torn his Achilles while grabbing a slice of pizza from his kitchen. Looks like Nate may have started a Domino’s Effect.
Report–Texas is to pay scholarship athletes 10K per year. Why the pay cut?
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
The San Francisco Giants used pictures from their 2012 World Series Parade to advertise this year’s parade. If new manager Joe Maddon leads the Cubs to a title, they’ll need to find someone who’s an expert in reproducing cave paintings.
A small plane with the banner “Fire John Idzik!” circled the NY Jets’ practice field for a short time Wednesday morning. Then the plane was presumably intercepted by another plane.
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
A Denver Broncos fans went to a game and disappeared at half time. Two days later, he was found 100 miles away. The man said that for no explainable reason, he had the urge to start walking towards Omaha.
Four robots are being tested at Lowes in San Jose as customer service reps. They are multilingual and said to have distinctive personalities. Wonder if the tech company that produced them can help Brian Burke.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
Orange News reports a farmer who began building his own submarine in June has tested it in a nearby lake by diving to the bottom. He christened it the Winnipeg Blue Bomber.
When Romanian tennis star Simona Halep was 17 she had her breasts surgically reduced to 34C. Still, she’s been big in Fed Cups.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
And in case you missed it:
Doctors say he’ll recover, but he’ll never be able to drive in New York City again.
Bruce Murdock of KKCW Radio in Portland, after Jose Canseco shot off the middle finger on his right hand while cleaning his gun.
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. His column appears Fridays on hqprincegeorge.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller