Wednesday, December 30, 2009

My Sister's Olympic Torch Relay Segment

Several months ago, my youngest sister April was selected as one of 12000 Torch Bearers in the 45000 KM Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.



Today was the big day. We bundled up and headed north to Bracebridge, Ontario.



After dropping April off at the official event bus, we headed to her connection point to wait for the fun to begin.



She was dropped off right on time and we had the opportunity to snap some photos and wish her good luck one last time. Quite a crowd had gathered and many people were asking to take photos with April and hold or touch the torch. The support was incredible as many people drove by honking and complete strangers were shouting 'I love you April!'



Before long, another official vehicle came along followed by the Torch Bearer.



Transferring the flame:



And there she goes!



Hubby and I were able to run alongside her on the sidewalk snapping photos and cheering her on. She did awesome and made us all proud.



April had the last run segment of this leg of the relay so at the end she transferred the flame to a lantern, which was then transported by bus to the next location.




What a truly memorable and exciting day for all of us.

Way to go, April!


38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome!!! Happy New Year!

Pining for Pinterest said...

That is so awesome!!!

Beth said...

Well, I think that is the coolest thing ever! How great that you got to share that with her. I'm sure it was the experience of a lifetime- yeah!

Anonymous said...

What a once in a lifetime experience! I still remember watching part of the 1984 Summer Olympic (Los Angeles) torch run in person as a kid standing next to my bicycle. I can't imagine how it must feel to actually be a torch bearer (let alone run next to or personally know one!)

Kelly said...

That's SO amazing! What a cool experience!

Gotta Run..... said...

Now that is the most FREAKING COOL THING EVER!!! How lucky of her to be able to do this and how amazing that you were able to be there.

WOW..... I just don't know what else to say.:))

Mel-2nd Chances said...

What an amazing experience for April, and for you too! I really regret not putting in my name for it to see if I would have been picked, it would have been so amazing! Congrats to her!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

btw, love the new banner!

Anonymous said...

Woah, that's so cool! What a great experience for April, you, and your family :) Congrats!

Albert said...

Did she get to keep her torch or was that last picture taken before her run??? Great story.

Unknown said...

Wow, what a neat experience! I'm so happy for April and you and your husband are great supporters!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bethany + Ryan said...

Oh...my....gosh!! That is SOOOOOO cool!! How exciting for your family and April! Wow that is amazing! So cool!!!!!!!!

Badgergirl said...

Very cool!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Amazing! Congrats to April and what an amazing event for your whole family.. Looks COLD!!

Anonymous said...

congrats april!!! I got to see the torch twice and it gave me goosebumps both times. So amazing for her- once in a lifetime kind of thing!

Jill said...

That is sooo very cool!
Happy New Year, may 2010 bring you lots of happy, healthy miles!!

Mark said...

That is really a cool deal!!!

Marky Mark said...

That's wonderful!

Happy New Year!

Love the winter photo at the top...

Lily on the Road said...

Great memories!!

Happy New Year! May 2010 bring you much happiness, health and laughter...it's all about being Goofy!!!

xoxoxox

Oz Runner said...

wow, how cool to be able to carry the Olympic torch...awesome.

Lindsay said...

this is still too cool! i would be sporting that workout suit 24/7 now :) does she get to keep the torch she held as a souvenir? gahh i am jealous. toooo cool!

Marci said...

Wow, that is so awesome, I missed my chance to see the torch, how cool that your sis carried it!!

Catching up on your blog, it looks like you had a fabulous vacation.
Happy New Year!!

A Toronto girl out West said...

How very cool!!!!! I applied but wasn't chosen - I'm still going to go see it run by though! :o)

Happy New Year Marlene!!!

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

WOW what an honor!!!! Silly question, but I've been wondering since a friend of my sisters ran last week as well. Does she get to keep the torch? LOL! It would be an awesome souvenier!

Unknown said...

very cool!

Happy New Year!

EndorphinBuzz said...

Awesome. Being so close to the flame is an amazing way to take in the infectious olympic spirit.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

I saw this on a website today and thought of you..

http://www.onemoremile.net/Short-Sleeve/Canadians-Do-it-Metric-42-2-Short-Sleeve/prod_675.html

Heather said...

That's awesome!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Congrats, April! That is such a memorable and awesome time!!! Have a happy new year, Marlene!

ShoreTurtle said...

Congratulations to your sister! That's great that you were able to share it with her.

Happy new year!

Irish Cream said...

Congrats to April! That is such an incredible experience! And how fun that you got to share it with her!

Happy New Year!! :)

Denise said...

That is just too cool. What an experience and I'm sure she'll never forget it.

Ali said...

What an incredible experience! So wonderful. I saw the torch when it came through on Christmas eve ... amazing

Erika said...

That is so cool! What a once in a lifetime experience!

MCM Mama

Anonymous said...

WOW - definitely something you guys will never forget!! How exciting for the fam :)

Vickie said...

What a fun and memorable time!

Unknown said...

That was very cool! You really are sisters! :)

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