The Olympic Spirit Burns Bright
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Canuck Place Teen Justin carries the torch downtown Vancouver
Canuck Place Torch Bearers

The Olympic Spirit Burns Bright for Canuck Place Torch Bearers

As part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, various Canuck Place families, staff and supporters have carried the Olympic Flame as it travelled to the start of the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games.

Paralympic Torch bearers

Carrying the flame as part of the Paralympic Winter Games Torch Relay were:  Canuck Place teens Justin Johal of Surrey, Sarah Cheung of Vancouver, who both carried the torch in the streets of downtown Vancouver on March 11th, and Canuck Place Board Member Patti Schom-Moffatt.

Having travelled from Athens, Greece and from coast to coast to coast in Canada, the Olympic Flame has touched many lives – much like the care and services provided by Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

Fulfilling a last-minute request by relay organizers, Janie Burns, Nursing Coordinator, and one of four staff members who have been with Canuck Place since its doors opened, stepped in to carry the Olympic flame.   Janie also had the honour of passing the flame on to Vancouver Canuck alumnus, and long time Canuck Place Children’s Hospice supporter, Trevor Linden.   

Cheered on by Canuck Place children, families, staff and volunteers, Janie remarked, “It was an amazing experience -  to be able to represent Canuck Place and the nursing team, as well as Canada, was truly a once in a lifetime moment!” – View Photos
 

On February 10th, Canuck Place children, staff and volunteers cheered on Laura Fielding, Canuck Place’s Recreational Therapist as she carried the flame 300 metres in North Vancouver.

Laura put her name forward as a potential torchbearer because of the children and families of Canuck Place. “They inspire me every single day to Embrace Life and to live life to the fullest. When I carry the torch, I will carry it on behalf of all the children and families who are with us and also with us in spirit. This is truly an honour for myself and a way for me to honour all those who have touched my life both personally and professionally.”

During the torch’s travels through the Fraser Valley, Myles Mitchell, a Canuck Place young adult, lit the Chilliwack’s Olympic Community Celebration Cauldron on February 7th.

Myles is also fondly known as “Myles of Smyles" and designs and sells custom t-shirts via his website with partial proceeds supporting Canuck Place.    When asked what the Olympic torch means to him, Myles recently reported “It's a thing that I hold, and it's a light in the darkness."

On January 25th, Canuck Place teen Kaden Thomas carried the torch in Kelowna.  Commenting his memorable Olympic experience, Kaden remarked that “All dreams can be achieved, if you never give up hope.”   

In Edmonton, as part of work-sponsored segment, Canuck Place dad Tony Lenaric of Kelowna ran with the torch.

Upon the flame’s initial arrival in Canada, a long-time Canuck Place supporter, Tony Harris took part in the torch relay in Nanaimo.  The Tony Harris Hockey Classic, a charity street hockey tournament has raised over $55,000 for the hospice over the past 5 years. 

Congratulations to all our Olympic torch bearers!