Lewisporte/LAURENCETON -
LEWISPORTE - The Torch Relay is an Olympic symbol of peace, brotherhood and enlightenment and represents a summons to the Olympic Games.
Lewisporte will have a special connection to the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay with a leg of the event taking place in the community on Saturday, Nov. 14. Also, two Lewisporte residents, Jennifer Mullet and Robert Poirier have been selected as Olympic torchbearers. On Sunday, Nov. 15 Ms. Mullet will carry the torch in Stephenville while Mr. Poirier will carry the torch in Corner Brook.
Local participation
Everyone from Lewisporte and surrounding communities is encouraged to come out and watch the Olympic Torch Relay on Saturday. Lewisporte Recreation director Derek Bennett noted that the time scheduled for the Relay to take place in Lewisporte is limited so spectators will want to ensure they arrive a bit early so they don't miss the festivities.
The Relay convoy will arrive in Lewisporte around 5:15 p.m., with the torchbearers covering the route from the Town Hall to the area of Need's Convenience beginning at 5:22 p.m. and ending at 5:32 p.m. It is expected the Relay will go ahead rain or shine.
"This is a short route so if people want to have a good viewing location I suggest they come out a bit early for this," said Mr. Bennett. "We also ask that people walk rather than drive (to the immediate Relay area route) because there will be restrictions on where you can park."
While four or five torchbearers are expected in Lewisporte, Mr. Bennett did not have the names of those individuals of where they are from as of The Pilot deadline. Each torchbearer will cover a distance of 300 metres.
Relay spectators are encouraged to wear red and white and Mr. Bennett hopes the route will be lined with people.
"This is an opportunity to show community pride and to show support for our Canadian athletes," he said. "The Olympic flame coming through the community could be a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Anyone with questions regarding the Lewisporte portion of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay can call the Town Hall at 535-2737.
Thrill of a lifetime
For Mr. Poirier, being selected as an Olympic Relay torchbearer is the thrill of a lifetime.
The process to his being selected first involved applying applied through Coca-Cola, just like one million other people did. He was required to write an essay that involved components such as community involvement and environmentalism.
"I wrote my essay in two parts," he explained. "One was that upon retirement I started to garden and compost and recycle and help the environment within the community.
"I also included that I worked with international exchange students - I'm a coordinator and I've also been a host parent. So there's an international connection."
On Oct. 2 Mr. Poirier was advised that he would be an official torchbearer.
"I'm totally ecstatic - this is a big thing," he said. "We're talking about worldwide exposure and I am representing Lewisporte. Even though I have to run in Corner Brook I am representing Lewisporte."
In addition to his wife Pansy coming out to watch Mr. Poirier, he expects that three of the international students he supervises who live in the Deer Lake area will be coming out to see him in Corner Brook. Between the three of them the young people come form New Zealand, Hong Kong and Germany, so that will add to the international flavour of the experience for Mr. Poirier.
Ms. Mullet applied through RBC after seeing a TV commercial of a "little man with the flame with the top hat and he's talking about what you can do for your community."
"I took a whim and decided to apply," she said. "I never thought in a million years that I'd get it."
Ms. Mullet's application process also involved composing an essay of why she wanted to carry the Olympic Flame.
"This year is the 10-year anniversary of my being a cancer survivor and when I had applied for this I had just finished shedding 55 pounds - so between the two of it this was a big thing for me," she said. "The kids (sons Karter and Kurtis) thought it was funny that I would even try. Now I get to rub it in that mom is doing it (she joked)."
Ms. Mullet was confirmed as a torchbearer in an email on Oct. 9. She didn't get the message until she checked her emails on Oct. 13.
When asked what her reaction was Ms. Mullet said, "I near came out of my skin. I had gotten several emails asking for my size (for the official Torchbearer ensemble), but I still didn't believe that it was true. I didn't tell Ken (her husband) or anyone else that I got all these e-mails, except for my mother because she had to sign as a witness. I didn't want to say it if it was not true."
As for what it means to be a torchbearer, Ms. Mullet is obviously proud she can share this moment with her family.
"I can't even describe it," she said. "For my kids this is amazing - for them to be able to see something like this - it's not something you'd think you'd be able to offer to your kids."
Ms. Mullet hopes everyone will turn out to cheer on the Relay in Lewisporte no matter who is carrying the flame. Her hope is that between now and Nov. 14 she can find a way for Relay organizers to have her switch positions so she can run in Lewisporte or at least in Central Newfoundland.
"I'd love to be in Lewisporte - that would be the biggest dream - but even Gander or Grand Falls-Windsor where people you knew - family and friends could come and see you it would be fantastic," she said. "It still means as much to carry the torch in Stephenville, it's just not the same as being home in Lewisporte."
Wherever she runs, Ms. Mullet plans to savour every moment. Torchbearers have the option to walk, jog, run, use wheelchairs or whatever means to carry the torch.
"I'll be crawling - baby steps the whole way," she said. "The longer it lasts the better."
Both Mr. Poirier and Ms. Mullet had the option as torchbearers to purchase the actual torch they will be carrying in the Relay. Both have purchased what will represent to them priceless mementos of an amazing experience.
"I don't show my emotions much but I know on the inside I want to hang on to that piece of the experience," said Mr. Poirier who has already designated a spot in front of his fireplace for what will surely become a centerpiece of conversation for years to come.
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