| A taste of the Olympic spirit coming to town |
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| Local Content - Editorial |
| Written by production |
| Thursday, 14 January 2010 20:11 |
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The Olympic torch relay, which makes its way through our region this weekend, is likely the closest most local residents will ever be to the Olympics.
The goal behind the torch run across Canada is to steadily beat the Olympic drum until it reaches a fever pitch on Feb. 12 for the start of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Through the torch run every-day Canadians, most who will never compete for their country on a world-wide stage, can be a part of the spirit that is the Olympics. Residents in Coaldale and Coalhurst will get a little taste of the Olympic spirit this Sunday as the torch makes its way to Vancouver via both communities. While the torch will only spend a short time in each community, each is gearing up to host activities throughout the afternoon to give local residents an opportunity to show both their Canadian pride and their Olympic spirit. It promises to be a weekend decked out in red and white. In addition to painting and tattooing up their faces, local residents are encouraged to dress in our Canadian colours and cheer on the torch runners. While a cynic might be quick to point out the Olympic torch is a stick with a flame on top, anyone with an ounce of Canadian pride understands the torch is more than just wood and flame. It is a symbol of the Olympics and what the event means on the world-wide stage. Sports fans get it right off the bat, the Olympics is about competition and national pride. Athletes works for years to be good enough to represent their country at the Olympics. For the non-sport fan the Olympics are an opportunity, once every two years, to celebrate Canada. There is a certain amount of pride every Canadian can share in when one of our athletes stands on the podium having competed to the best of their ability and been able to secure an Olympic medal. Olympic athletes are more than just individuals working toward personal goals, they too are a symbol of their country. Their dedication to their sport and to achieving the best they can in their sport provides young and old with a model for determination and dedication. Not everyone can be an Olympic calibre athlete, but everyone, regardless of their own abilities, can cheer on our Olympic athletes. Welcoming the torch to our communities is the first step in taking part in the 2010 Winter Olympics. For most of us it will be our only step as we will watch from a far as our Canadian athletes give it everything they have come February. |
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