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!
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.