Spirit stays long after flame
Kulwinder Herar, The Times
Published: Friday, February 12, 2010Abbotsford/Mission residents should hold their heads high as the 21st Winter Olympiad opens today at BC Place. Everyone did a fantastic job with record crowds in both communities.
Last Sunday, I was fortunate enough to capture, via Internet, runner by runner as they carried the torch through the streets of Abbotsford. There were tons of supporters who took to the sidewalks cheering our heroes closer to the finish line.
The celebrations that took place after each runner completed his/her distance was captured on my computer screen across the river in Mission. There were hugs, little dances, high fives and many other moves. The online service was eventually stopped as they entered the 15,000-plus packed Rotary Stadium.
The following day, the torch run was celebrated bright and early in Mission. The spirit was high and the place was jam-packed with thousands crowding First Avenue.
"Yet the mood of the growing crowd was infectious. Everyone was happy. Neither of us could see much, but we enjoyed the entertainment," said my former Grade 5 teacher, Polly Betterton. Wendy McCormick, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture said: "The Olympic torch celebration was fantastic, we had a wonderful morning and were certainly overwhelmed with the number of people that showed up to experience the flame. We estimate approximately 9,000 people came out on Monday morning.
"We have had nothing but positive feedback from those who participated. I am so very proud of all the volunteers."
Over the next several weeks we should focus on the positives in our communities showing our visitors some of the great contributions Canadians are making. Here is an inspiring local story:
Heart to Heart is an Abbotsford-based charity that operates a school, church and orphanage in Grand Goave, Haiti. The recent earthquakes in Haiti have devastated the Heart to Heart facility along with much of Grand Goave.
Over the last two weeks, Heart to Heart working with the Vineyard Church has been able to partner with many local organizations to raise funds and gather rice donations for Haitian relief, including the Abbotsford School District # 34, the Mennonite Educational Institute, St. Jean Brebeuf Secondary School, Dasmesh Punjabi School and many others. To donate or for more information: www.hearttohearthaiti.com.
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