Last night, the exciting announcement was made at Clearspring Centre that Special Olympian, Lennie Plett of Blumenort is the Community Torchbearer who will light the cauldron onstage at Steinbach’s Olympic Torch Relay Celebration on January 5, 2010.
Lennie is a highly decorated individual and has been extremely successful in all his athletic endeavours. A winter-sports competitor, Lennie has competed in both cross country skiing and track events. More importantly, Lennie knows what it means to have the heart of an Olympian, knows what it is like to compete in winter sports, and has a heart for the community and its sport teams. He is driven, hard working, and has enjoyed immense success as a result.
Four other chosen Torchbearers, selected by RBC, were also announced at the event.
• Morgan Glasgow is a 19-year-old second year engineering student at the University of Manitoba from Dugald, MB. He believes even small steps can help make the world a better place. He made a pledge for the RBC Carry the Torch contest to quit using disposable plastic bags whenever possible.
• Chris Goethals is a 42-year-old full time Firefighter/Paramedic from Ile De Chenes (Richot), MB. He made a pledge for the RBC Carry the Torch contest to volunteer in sports and serve and protect his community. Chris has volunteered his time over the past 7 years as coach for various baseball, hockey and soccer teams. He has also volunteered as medical staff and trainer for the 98 Lightning Extreme hockey team. Chris helps to safeguard his community, protect and save lives as a full time Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Winnipeg. He is also a volunteer for the Ile De Chenes Fire Department.
• Tiffany Froese is a 16-year-old student from Landmark, MB. She made a pledge for the RBC Carry the Torch contest to volunteer her time with seniors because she believes they are an incredible and wise part of our population. She has enjoyed having a few of her senior neighbours over for supper and visiting time. This time spent with them, and serving them is a blessing to me as well. She has also decided to expand her service into the wider community by volunteering for Operation Christmas Child. She hopes to go to Calgary, Alberta to work there at the shoebox warehouse coming up in December.
The excitement was evident on the faces of all the torchbearers, their families, and the attendees.
Along with the exciting torchbearer announcements, other highlights included a mini-concert by country singer, Julian Austin; a chance to score on a Pistons goalie and win tickets to a Pistons game; photo opportunities with a replica of the 2010 Olympic torch; and photo opportunities with and autographs by Jared Funk, a local Rugby Paralympian; and an Olympic coin exchange.
The City of Steinbach wishes to thank RBC, especially Branch Manager Dwayne Doroshuk, Julian Austin, Jared Funk, Michelle Sawatzky, Cheryl Main, and the Steinbach Pistons for making last night a success.
Congratulations again to Lennie Plett, Morgan Glasgow, Chris Goethals, and Tiffany Froese for being part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay as Torchbearers!
