Okay, so I’ve attended two torch ceremonies in the past few days and what a way to get the excitement geared up for the Olympics.
My first one was in Chestermere, Alberta on January 19th. I was invited to attend the Chestermere Library to talk about my book, HOME ICE. So kids, all dressed in winter clothes and many wearing their team hockey jackets, visited my after the Torch went throught Chestermere. I want to say thanks to everyone who came in to chat to me. What fun! I got to talk about hockey and my books and, yes, the Olympics!!!!
Then yesterday, I drove into Banff to watch my good friend Karen Percy-Lowe run with the Olympic Torch. The entire evening event was outstanding! Karen spoke as did hockey player Ryan Smyth. I managed to find Ryan’s wife, Stacey, in the crowd to say hello and they had just flown in for the day, with their three young children. She said Ryan was really thrilled to be back in Banff as he doesn’t get home all that often. (He is in LA now playing for the Kings and…their little guy who is 18 months didn’t want to wear mitts or a hat!! LOL) I have featured Ryan in my book, HOME ICE, because he was invited to the Orientation camp in August. No, Ryan, didn’t make Canada’s Olympic Team this time but…I’m thrilled that I featured him and proud that my book talks about all 46 players invited to the camp because a guy like Ryan deserves to be recognized. Karen Percy-Lowe spoke with great heart about the community of Banff and growing up in such a wonderful community that supported her Olympic endeavours. The other highlight of the event was when they brought out other Banffites who had in some way contributed to the Olympics and they were escorted by youngsters from the community, some in their little skating dresses. So cute.
All in all, a fantastic event. I went with my sis-in-law, Linda and her friend Barb and we proudly wore Hockey Canada jerseys. They also had some great music!
After the outdoor event was over, I headed over to the Banff Springs for a little after-party and I think the general mood was that the event had been a huge success. I ran into an old friend, Bruce Henry, and he “used” to be a ski coach, although he did say he was still doing a “little” coaching. He now calls himself “The Old Banff Coach.” And he’s not that old.
Folks, just being at these Torch ceremonies makes me realize that…the Olympics are close!!
I promise to blog.
I can’t wait for the Games to begin.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 4:52 pm and is filed under Lorna's Lark. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.