Kelly Wilson, a registered nurse/nurse manager at the Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene and a father of two, has been selected as the first official torchbearer when the Olympic flame makes its way through the area on Dec. 29.
The minor hockey coach told the crowd gathered at the Midland RBC branch on Monday that he was “honoured and excited” to have been chosen.
Wilson said he learned of the opportunity while watching TV last winter and knew right away he had to do it.
“On came a commercial with RBC and how to become an Olympic torchbearer,” he recalled. “I remember the Olympics in 1988…. One of my classmates was chosen to be a torchbearer and I was very envious and jealous of her. When this came on, I thought, ‘I have to do this.’”
He quickly went online and made out his pledge, which he noted was to help make a stronger community by coaching a local sports team.
“By doing this, I can promote a healthy active lifestyle while teaching skill development to youth,” he said, adding he wanted to dedicate his pledge to all individuals who commit their free time to minor sports. “They’re really the foundation of amateur sports.”
Wilson has volunteered with the Penetanguishene tyke hockey and Midland/Penetanguishene tyke ball hockey programs, as well as refereeing OBHA games.
“As a person who loves watching sports, you always dream of representing your country in some way. Carrying the torch will be my way of representing my community and my country, and I am extremely proud.”
Wilson is expected to begin his leg of the run at approximately 12:33 p.m. at town hall, and will pass the torch over at Poyntz Street. He officially learned the good news a few weeks ago, and has been struggling to contain his excitement ever since.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.
Also on hand for Monday’s announcement was former Olympic basketball player Rowan Barrett, who spoke to the crowd about his own Olympic journey. Penetanguishene Mayor Anita Dubeau and Midland Mayor Jim Downer were also present.
“The Olympic flame has long been a symbol of the Olympic Games, but it is also a symbol of peace and friendship, of inspiration and passion, and, above all, it is a symbol of unity,” said Downer. “The Olympic torch relay … represents an extraordinary opportunity to unify not only our community, but all Canadians, generating tremendous pride in our nation while truly celebrating the coming of the Games.”
Approximately 12,000 Canadians will carry the flame across the country during the torch relay, which began its journey to Vancouver on Oct. 30 and will arrive on Feb. 12.
The flame will travel from coast to coast to coast through every province and territory in Canada – spanning 45,000 kilometers and more than 1,000 communities over the course of 106 days.
nmillion@simcoe.com
