As the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association continues to celebrate its member’s participation in the 2010 Olympic Torch relay, the CCAA National Office stepped right into the action as the torch made its way through Cornwall Monday December 14, 2009. 

Mary Winkenweder, CCAA Executive Assistant and Ryan Kuhn, Promotions and Marketing Coordinator made their way to Cornwall’s Lamoureux Park to join in the Olympic Festivities as the torch made its debut into the city.  The streets were filled with thousands of Olympic enthusiasts cheering on the torch runners.
 

“It was exciting to see the town come together” says Mary Winkenweder, “the park was busy and people were excited to be there representing Canada and supporting the Olympics.  As a National Sport body it was nice to see the impact sport has on Canadians as well as people across the world”.   

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The spirit of the Olympic flame was ignited in our community as thousands packed Cornwall's Lamoureux Park for the celebratory lighting of the cauldron on Monday.
Upwards of 10,000 people filled the area as busloads of school children, families and fans of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics erupted in a combined demonstration of local and national pride.

Flags were waved fervently and immense beach balls bobbed over the crowd as folks of all ages gathered early for a choice spot in anticipation of final torchbearer Rik Saaltink's noon lighting.

 
"I wanted to go really badly because I love the Olympics," beamed Melissa Price, 13, a Char-Lan District High School student. "I love the Olympics because I like to cheer on people who try their best to compete, especially if they're from Canada.

"This is going to be a great experience for me. It will be something that will always be in my mind."
The flame arrived right on schedule at Eamer's Corners to begin its journey down Pitt Street at 11 a. m. Local runner Michele Wright joined with others, including 1976 Olympic silver medallist, Greg Joy, as they carried the flame high en route to Lamoureux Park.

"What an experience," exuded torchbearer Lauree Knight, 60, of Ottawa. "I was at the (1988 Calgary Olympics) closing ceremony and I thought nothing could surpass that experience.

"This beat it hands down." Co-chairs of the local organizing committee, Gilles Latour and Pam Maloney, were ecstatic with the response of the crowd.
"The celebration was larger than Montreal and Quebec City combined," said Latour, relaying information from VANOC organizers. "It was nothing short of fantastic, the kids from the schools are so excited to be here today.

"We have to thank the teachers for prepping them about today's celebration and what it means to be Canadian."
Both he and Maloney expressed hope that the massive outpouring of Olympic spirit would bide well not only for the community, but also for its presence on the national stage.

This is amazing, there's such a great vibe," she added. "I hope everyone here feels a great sense of pride as we all do for our country and community, and that it's a once in a lifetime event."
Sylvain Gagné has been traveling with the Olympic Torch Relay team since mid-October as a media specialist. For the past seven years he held a similar position with the Quebec Winter Carnival, but willingly left that job for the experience of the relay.
"It's the Olympics, it's the biggest event in the world," he said. "I had to go for it, it's as simple as that.
"It was a chance to travel across Canada, and to see awesome places and meet awesome people."
For many of those people, he added, this will be the closest they will ever get to the flame, and it's an opportunity they won't ever forget.

"There have been so many memorable moments already," said Gagné. "When we to Alert, there are 56 people who live there, and there were 20 of us.
"Every place beings something new."

For final torchbearer Rik Saaltink who was running in memory of his late daughter, Heather, it was a moment to be treasured and cherished. The young woman, who was also an outstanding athlete, died in December, 2008 in a car accident caused by an alleged drunk driver.
"I can't tell you how overwhelming it is to have this honour and support," he said to the crowd moments after lighting the cauldron. "It's just such a wonderful tribute to our daughter, the things she stood for and believed in.
"We're just so glad you came here to to share it with us."

Later, speaking to media, Saaltink described carrying the torch as an "almost an electric like feel in your arm, you want to hold it high."
He said he always gets nervous before an athletic event, and the anticipation of waiting those few minutes before taking the flame were very similar. There was a real sense of adrenaline and excitement, something very, very special to him.

"It's just a sense of honour. I'm playing one small part in this big celebration. I'd think that Heather would be quite proud just to see all the people came out, and how much support there is and respect for her spirit," Saaltink said.