Some say the final Torchbearer should be a past Olympian
He is, without a doubt, one of Canada's greatest heroes. Beginning in St. John's, while battling cancer, Terry Fox ran a marathon every day on one leg, raising money to fight against the disease. And though he was unable to complete his cross-country trek, Fox's legacy and his mission have spread throughout the world. Those are among the reasons Fox's mother, Betty Fox, may be chosen to light the Olympic cauldron in Vancouver during the opening ceremony for the Winter Games. The image of Betty Fox completing her son Terry's cross-country journey could be one of the most moving moments of the Games. Some argue, too, that the individual chosen to light the cauldron should possess an international presence. Though her son's name resonates globally, Betty Fox is unknown outside of Canada.
And Then There is The Great One a favourite
On that note, consider first that Canada is a hockey nation. And if any hockey hero is called to mind, most think of The Great One. Wayne Gretzky's name and face are recognized worldwide, and unlike Terry or Betty Fox, he is an Olympian. However, the Olympic gold medal that was placed around No. 99's neck wasn't earned on the ice, but as Team Canada's executive director at the 2002 Salt Lake Games. Gretzky did don a jersey at the 1998 Games in Nagano, but his team floundered and came fourth.
If Canadians want a true Olympian for the final torchbearer, it has to be one that stands out internationally if you as me.
But there is another contender whose name doesn't offer Olympic history, but whose story, like that of Fox, carries the ideals and tenets of the Games. Paralyzed from the waist down, Rick Hansen has won 19 international wheelchair marathons, including six medals as a Paralympian. But what he's most known for is his Man in Motion tour, which began in 1985. Hansen wheeled through 34 countries on four continents, raising funds for spinal cord injury research. Rick Hansen … tells the world that Canada is a country that values determination and courage in all. And the wheelchair itself offers some visually powerful symbolism.
The opening ceremony is set for Friday, Feb. 12 at BC Place Stadium. However I do hope they have enough Snow!
I rather not give my cents of worth here as i am not a Canadian ... but, it strike a cord in me when you mentioned -"spinal cord injury research" and a good man named Rick Hansen, who's paralyzed from waist down. Had a good friend way back in our 360* days, also undergoing such a terrible trial in his life and i do hope and pray that he is well, and in good health at this very moment ... hugs tight :)
Most definitely. I don't live there and have never been within that province but it will be something to really take in. Aside from Wayne Gretzky, I don't think that many would know of any other former champions. But I had no expectation. Yet it will be a great Olympics with the exception of the amount of money they are spending on shipping snow right now to the mountains. But there is something about the Olympics. It will be very interesting especially the speed skating.
Rick Hansen is well known by many.....as is Terry Fox...it's Canada but whom bares the final torch will be something very interesting to say the least. My bet is that it's going to be Wayne.
Yeah they do I always enjoyed the Olympics and what they stood for - seemingly it was more than just the sport. It's that endurance, tenacity, the goals...it's something much more when you hear the stories of these people and the song last night was the first time I have heard that theme song.
You offer interesting choices there. It is true that this honour should be given to an athlete who has or has had a fruitful career. I usually love to watch the Olympics, will certainly try to get the most of it, even if I have to record it and watch later when times will be quieter here at home. I think participating or at least watching the games is the least we can do for our athletes who have worked hard for countless hours to reach that level of excellence. We hope that the snow reserve will be more than sufficient to create good surfaces for the competitions. We do not have as much snow as usual this year in Quebec either. Washington area would probably be glad to get rid of some and send it our way. It must not be easy there these days. Good night to you Jack.
There are many great athletes and I am really looking forward to this over this weekend. Yes Canada and many countries have. And this is the first time in a long time that Canada has actually held the olympics. I was certain taken by it last night as I have never really seen so much with regards to these Winter Olympics. In times that we have had such a host of so many things that have happened within the world - maybe these are the great things some of which are something that many can relate to.
I love these games more so the summer olympics but really it's about the athletes and the how they really go out to test themselves. At a time that we have had such a host of snow from all over the world who would ever know that over on the East coast that rarely within British Colombia - Vancouver especially do they get all the snow they need. Mind you there was a thought to have all the down hill events in Calgary - Banff and simulcast the competitions from there but it's all within the spirit of these Olympics. I have seen how much snow has hit so many areas especially in Washington, D.C. and all that surrounding area. As I was taking care of some things this afternoon I watch truck loads of snow being moved. And I thought to myself - it must be leaving for Vancouver. Joking...Kidding aside this shall be something that will go on for 14 days and it's truly something that is inspirational.
Doug, aside of that funny up there who's name is a comedian named Rick Mercer, I really do understand the commercialized part that you mentioned Doug. I wouldn't have done but it was a great write, the diversity your write was in much more of a different manner but we all have our different thoughts yet we do have much in common to say the least. As well, I didn't realize that you would know who Terry Fox was. So it's all relative. I liked your thoughts on the commercialization of the Olympics - yet I see it without the commercials as I mentioned on your blog.
Jack ... i am routing for Terry Fox. I hope they will let his mother carry the torch in behalf of him. Such a wonderful guy to be taken early by that dreaded disease. I got misty eyes here ...
I believe they have already made the choice. There are many really to choose from but Terry Fox was someone that was up here that really did something that she carried on his legacy as time went on. But I think that someone outside of all these three will be lighting up the cauldron. It's a tradition to hold of till the day before from what I gather or even it's not told at all till it takes place but there have been so many writes with regards to The Fox Family doing this that I am not sure that the Olympic committee takes it under consideration or already has made a choice. Literally according to what I have read there have been over one million posts with regards to Betty Fox, the mother of Terry Fox with regards to this but we will have to wait and see.
My vote goes to Rick Hansen, but then we are both from BC, and he is a friend from childhood with my husband's brother and his wife from William's Lake. We are in AZ and boondocking so will not be able to keep up with the Olympics this time. We may come back in from the desert camping to watch one evening while I do the laundry. We will have to find a camp with cable TV.
yes we usually do-actually Canada should do better they have so much more facility's to train for winter-hope this time they can win a few more on home ground-
You have to be kidding me.....Where is it? Rick is actually a very intellgent comedian from Newfoundland you can pick up on the accent as he still has a bit of it but he comes up with the greatest commentaries that really are a hoot and then some. But I am not sure that the average person would understand as Rick speaks so darn fast. Yet he is hilarious.
Nice Heidi, the logo is based on the Inukshuk (stone landmark or cairn) built for the Northwest Territories Pavilion at Expo 86 and donated to the City of Vancouver after the event. It is now used as a landmark on English Bay Beach.
In training Nodar Kumaritashvili passed away while training, he was only 21 years of age, from the Soviet Republic of Georgia as his sled made a major crash. This is unfortunate before the games and ceremonies begin.
Yes his passing has placed a little dampness to the beginning of the ceremonies which shall begin in one hour.
The talk is the Celine Dion will be singing the Anthem I think. :), and Wayne Gretzky has made his own choice not to light up the Olympic Caldron. So it could very well be Betty Fox. The beginning of the ceremonies are something that is truly entertaining.
Wayne Gretzky stood tall, such a fine man to give way to Terry's mom, Betty. Am sure a lot will rejoice by this outcome. And Terry's smiling and waving ... up there with the angels. smiles*
It was amazing the way that one the torch was passed on from a few starting with Rick Hamilton all were included that was really something. The essence of the cermonies themselves and the speaches really was something that was and is Canada. There was some person that did his Utube poetry. I have not clue of his name but in what he said combined with all the regions of Canada where something that almost brought a tear to my eye as I really felt good in how it was all represented, I watched the opening cermonies from NBC and CTV to see the difference in how it was shown...I will write on it but this Nikki whom comes from the maritimes and sang Oh Canada, and as well Sarah to Sutherland speaking and giving small Canadian quotes as each region of Canada was covered. I am going to write about it but it was superb...!
He is, without a doubt, one of Canada's greatest heroes. Beginning in St. John's, while battling cancer, Terry Fox ran a marathon every day on one leg, raising money to fight against the disease. And though he was unable to complete his cross-country trek, Fox's legacy and his mission have spread throughout the world. Those are among the reasons Fox's mother, Betty Fox, may be chosen to light the Olympic cauldron in Vancouver during the opening ceremony for the Winter Games. The image of Betty Fox completing her son Terry's cross-country journey could be one of the most moving moments of the Games.
people are terrible anymore-small that is very small I would say-
ReplyDelete?
ReplyDeleteI rather not give my cents of worth here as i am not a Canadian ... but, it strike a cord in me when you mentioned -"spinal cord injury research" and a good man named Rick Hansen, who's paralyzed from waist down. Had a good friend way back in our 360* days, also undergoing such a terrible trial in his life and i do hope and pray that he is well, and in good health at this very moment ...
ReplyDeletehugs tight :)
sorry meant to add why only an olympian lots of countries try to honor someone this way
ReplyDeleteshould be a very interesting opening ceremonie
Most definitely. I don't live there and have never been within that province but it will be something to really take in. Aside from Wayne Gretzky, I don't think that many would know of any other former champions. But I had no expectation. Yet it will be a great Olympics with the exception of the amount of money they are spending on shipping snow right now to the mountains. But there is something about the Olympics. It will be very interesting especially the speed skating.
ReplyDeleteRick Hansen is well known by many.....as is Terry Fox...it's Canada but whom bares the final torch will be something very interesting to say the least. My bet is that it's going to be Wayne.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP9IQuz-jlk
ReplyDeletevery interesting ..there are some very Brave and courageous people out there....they give inspiration to ..others:)
ReplyDeleteYeah they do I always enjoyed the Olympics and what they stood for - seemingly it was more than just the sport. It's that endurance, tenacity, the goals...it's something much more when you hear the stories of these people and the song last night was the first time I have heard that theme song.
ReplyDeleteWhy not let the mom light it for him? Also there are some great skaters from Canada that have won???????
ReplyDeleteYou offer interesting choices there. It is true that this honour should be given to an athlete who has or has had a fruitful career. I usually love to watch the Olympics, will certainly try to get the most of it, even if I have to record it and watch later when times will be quieter here at home. I think participating or at least watching the games is the least we can do for our athletes who have worked hard for countless hours to reach that level of excellence. We hope that the snow reserve will be more than sufficient to create good surfaces for the competitions. We do not have as much snow as usual this year in Quebec either. Washington area would probably be glad to get rid of some and send it our way. It must not be easy there these days. Good night to you Jack.
ReplyDeleteThere are many great athletes and I am really looking forward to this over this weekend. Yes Canada and many countries have. And this is the first time in a long time that Canada has actually held the olympics. I was certain taken by it last night as I have never really seen so much with regards to these Winter Olympics. In times that we have had such a host of so many things that have happened within the world - maybe these are the great things some of which are something that many can relate to.
ReplyDeleteI love these games more so the summer olympics but really it's about the athletes and the how they really go out to test themselves. At a time that we have had such a host of snow from all over the world who would ever know that over on the East coast that rarely within British Colombia - Vancouver especially do they get all the snow they need. Mind you there was a thought to have all the down hill events in Calgary - Banff and simulcast the competitions from there but it's all within the spirit of these Olympics.
ReplyDeleteI have seen how much snow has hit so many areas especially in Washington, D.C. and all that surrounding area. As I was taking care of some things this afternoon I watch truck loads of snow being moved. And I thought to myself - it must be leaving for Vancouver. Joking...Kidding aside this shall be something that will go on for 14 days and it's truly something that is inspirational.
Thanks for reminding us of Terry Fox. I hope his mother does have a major part in the Opening Ceremionies.
ReplyDeleteDoug you have a great slant on this as well. I truly do mean that...I was off and came back on but really you do.
ReplyDeletehttp://dnoakes.multiply.com/journal/item/337/The_2010_Olympics_Tone_Down_the_Hype_and_the_Flag_Waving_Already_?replies_read=16
Thanks Jack. I appreciate the link to my blog as well.
ReplyDeleteDoug, aside of that funny up there who's name is a comedian named Rick Mercer, I really do understand the commercialized part that you mentioned Doug.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have done but it was a great write, the diversity your write was in much more of a different manner but we all have our different thoughts yet we do have
much in common to say the least. As well, I didn't realize that you would know who Terry Fox was. So it's all relative. I liked your thoughts on the commercialization
of the Olympics - yet I see it without the commercials as I mentioned on your blog.
Jack ... i am routing for Terry Fox. I hope they will let his mother carry the torch in behalf of him. Such a wonderful guy to be taken early by that dreaded disease. I got misty eyes here ...
ReplyDeleteI believe they have already made the choice. There are many really to choose from but Terry Fox was someone that was up here that really did something that she carried on his legacy as time went on. But I think that someone outside of all these three will be lighting up the cauldron. It's a tradition to hold of till the day before from what I gather or even it's not told at all till it takes place but there have been so many writes with regards to The Fox Family doing this that I am not sure that the Olympic committee takes it under consideration or already has made a choice. Literally according to what I have read there have been over one million posts with regards to Betty Fox, the mother of Terry Fox with regards to this but we will have to wait and see.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbc.ca/olympics/content/medal-count.html
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbc.ca/olympics/history/
ReplyDeleteHeidi if your out there Germany has done very well over the years!
ReplyDeleteA few more links why not :)
ReplyDeletehttp://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/02/01/meserve.olympic.security.cnn
http://worldsport.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/27/can-canada-turnaround-olympic-jinx/
Well, I am off to bed here this shall be a very enjoyable time to say the least.
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to Rick Hansen, but then we are both from BC, and he is a friend from childhood with my husband's brother and his wife from William's Lake. We are in AZ and boondocking so will not be able to keep up with the Olympics this time. We may come back in from the desert camping to watch one evening while I do the laundry. We will have to find a camp with cable TV.
ReplyDeleteFor a laugh, go to youtube and see rick hansen bungee jumping with rick mercer...it is a total hoot
ReplyDeleteOh and I like the way you inserted that lovely logo at the start of your blog. I will have to find it and store it for use late.
yes we usually do-actually Canada should do better they have so much more facility's to train for winter-hope this time they can win a few more on home ground-
ReplyDeletephotobucket has it
ReplyDeleteGood for you Karyn. I knew that Rick was a motivation speaker now but I neve knew where he was from.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be kidding me.....Where is it? Rick is actually a very intellgent comedian from Newfoundland you can pick up on the accent as he still has a bit of it but he comes up with the greatest commentaries that really are a hoot and then some. But I am not sure that the average person would understand as Rick speaks so darn fast.
ReplyDeleteYet he is hilarious.
Nice Heidi, the logo is based on the Inukshuk (stone landmark or cairn) built for the Northwest Territories Pavilion at Expo 86 and donated to the City of Vancouver after the event. It is now used as a landmark on English Bay Beach.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbc.ca/olympics/story/2010/02/11/bc-prime-minister-legislature-victoria.html
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbc.ca/olympics/content/torches.html
ReplyDeleteIn training Nodar Kumaritashvili passed away while training, he was only 21 years of age, from the Soviet Republic of Georgia as his sled made a major crash. This is unfortunate before the games and ceremonies begin.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless his soul.
ReplyDeleteYes his passing has placed a little dampness to the beginning of the ceremonies which shall begin in one hour.
ReplyDeleteThe talk is the Celine Dion will be singing the Anthem I think. :), and Wayne Gretzky has made his own choice not to light up the Olympic Caldron. So it could very well be Betty Fox. The beginning of the ceremonies are something that is truly entertaining.
Wayne Gretzky stood tall, such a fine man to give way to Terry's mom, Betty. Am sure a lot will rejoice by this outcome. And Terry's smiling and waving ... up there with the angels. smiles*
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing the way that one the torch was passed on from a few starting with Rick Hamilton all were included that was really something. The essence of the cermonies themselves and the speaches really was something that was and is Canada. There was some person that did his Utube poetry. I have not clue of his name but in what he said combined with all the regions of Canada where something that almost brought a tear to my eye as I really felt good in how it was all represented, I watched the opening cermonies from NBC and CTV to see the difference in how it was shown...I will write on it but this Nikki whom comes from the maritimes and sang Oh Canada, and as well Sarah to Sutherland speaking and giving small Canadian quotes as each region of Canada was covered. I am going to write about it but it was superb...!
ReplyDelete