Runners ready to carry torch

With winter weather a surprising swing through the central region in recent weeks, many might be looking towards the upcoming Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C. in February 2010.

Soon enough, the Olympics will come through Gander and the surrounding area as part of the Olympic Torch Relay.

On Nov. 14, the torch will swing past Glovertown and Gambo before making its way to Gander, moving onwards to the western-half of the island on the next day.

The torch arrival can't come soon enough for three women from Gander, who all will get to carry the 1.5-kilogram torch for a stretch of its journey.

Sandy Chiasson will get her opportunity in Gander itself on Nov. 14. Then on Nov. 15, Tanya Tuff will get her turn in Springdale, and Sarah Mulrooney will run with it in Port Aux Basques on the same day.

Ms. Tuff received an e-mail three months ago sharing the news. As part of entering her name into the running, she made an environmental pledge to use cloth bags for grocery shopping and reduce the amount of plastic used in the lunches she helps prepare for her family.

"I was quite surprised," she said.

In the lead-up to the 1988 Games in Calgary, Ms. Tuff can recall a cousin having the opportunity to carry the torch through Goobies.

"I remember her doing that and how it exciting it was. Maybe it will bring back some of the same feelings for me," she said.

Growing up in Gander, Ms. Tuff was a member of the Gander Lakers swim club, and today she continues to stay active through cross-country skiing (her favourite Olympic event is the biathlon - a combination of target shooting and skiing). When the snow goes away, she also takes part in triathlons.

The fact she will be able to take part in the torch run qualifies as a minor miracle for Ms. Tuff, who is moving with her family to British Columbia on the afternoon of Nov. 15.

"We're hoping to take part in some kind of activity over there in the winter," said Ms. Tuff, who pushed-off her relocation date in order to take part in the relay.

Memories of '88

Sandy Chiasson has similar memories to Ms. Tuff when it comes to the Olympic Torch Relay for the Calgary games.

"My cousin was a torch bearer for the '88 Olympics, and I said if I ever had the opportunity to take part, I'd do it," she said.

To take part, she had to answer 117 skill-testing questions, and write a short essay on why she wanted to get involved.

Ms. Chiasson only learned about her opportunity to carry the torch early last month. "When my husband came into the driveway that day, he though we'd won the lottery. I was just so excited," she said.

Another follower of the active living lifestyle, Ms. Chiasson, plays hockey, tennis, and basketball. Being a fan of the ice herself, she said hockey and figure skating are her two favourite Olympic events.

Ms. Mulrooney, a Grade 11 student at Gander Collegiate, will have to travel the furthest to have her turn at holding the torch, but is not complaining about it in the meantime.

In fact, she'll be amongst the last people in the province to carry the torch during its stay on the island. She's scheduled to have her 300-metre go with it at 7:54 p.m., while a ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m.

She learned about her acceptance through an e-mail, and like the others, she's thrilled to carry the torch. "I was absolutely elated to find out. It's such a wonderful opportunity."

To have her chance, Ms. Mulrooney had to record the amount of physical activity she took part in each day, and if she met her required goal, she could submit an entry.

This was not a major challenge for Ms. Mulrooney, who takes part in downhill skiing and dance classes. Being a skier, her favourite event is the giant slalom.

The torch touched down on Canada Oct. 30, and is scheduled to arrive at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Feb. 12 for the opening ceremonies.