Our Olympic Flame experience!

Here are some of the pictures from the Olympic torch relay event held in Brantford and in Delhi (where Wade carried the flame). Monday afternoon, we arrived at the Feere's home, got bundled up and went downtown to where stations were set up in various businesses, civic centre, library and restaurants. At these stations, former Olympic athletes were signing autographs and having their pictures taken with fans. Apparently, over the years, Brantford has produced 20 Olympic medalists - pretty impressive! The first station we stopped at was to meet Walter Gretzky, father of "the great one", Wayne. It was a real pleasure - he is such a kind spirited man and talked to everyone as if they were old friends. We got our picture taken with him.

Mr. Gretzky, Me, Wade, Becky

Cole and Payge

After scurrying all over downtown Brantford, we walked to the arena where Cole had a hockey lesson. It was so cute! He's seven years old and is skating very well - he's fast, too. His hockey stick got left in his Daddy's jeep so he just skated without it. Some of the little kids, aged from 4 to 7, just played around making snow angels on the ice (those parents weren't too happy - I imagine lessons cost a lot!) Anyway, they had these little black cage things for them to hold on to, to keep them upright. It was a hoot - one little kid hung himself over the top bar and scooted down the ice quite a way before toppling over. Here's a little video of Cole - he's the one in orange socks. Pretty good!!!

When he was finished, we caught the shuttle bus back downtown to where there was a huge stage set up with entertainers, musicians and dancers. It was so, so cold! This is where one of the Olympians from Brantford was ending his part of the relay, igniting the flame for the next runner.
By the time he came through, we were thoroughly frozen and decided to skip the concert by Canadian singer Suzie McNeil and to get the shuttle back to the arena where we left the van. We stood in line waiting for the shuttle to come for almost half an hour!!! Brrrrrrr!!!! By the time we got back to the van it was 8:00 and we were starving as well as freezing, so we went to Wendy's and pigged out on burgers and fries - it was so good!

After a good night's sleep, we were up and out the door by 9:00 a.m. Wade had already left hours before to meet up with the event organizers and to take the bus to his designated spot from which to carry the Olympic flame. We arrived in plenty of time and so waited about half an hour, which wasn't too bad. The sun was shining, but it was still very cold. Pictures we took while we waited.

Wade with his Mom, Linda Wade and Becky

At 10:20 a.m., the runner appeared amidst lots of cheers and fanfare, lit Wade's torch and after a little dosie-doe, off he went down the street to meet up with the next relay runner.

After we had lunch at Becky's Aunt's restaurant in Simcoe, Wade promised to make a guest appearance (along with his Olympic torch) at the pharmacy his Mom works at. They had someone taking pictures of Wade with customers as they came in to see him. Then, told them they could come in the next morning to pick up their photos free of charge. I thought that was so nice! We eventually went back to the house and when Wade got home, we opened presents and were treated to a Christmas piano concert. I'm sure the little ones would have played better if they weren't aware they were being taped! I know how good they are! Do I sound proud? Well, we've known these kids since they were babies - so, yes, I guess I am! Then, Rebecca and Payge played a duet that was very pretty. We ordered pizza, ate supper and then left to come home around 5:30. We were zonked! It's something I would have hated to miss, though. Who knows if we'll ever have the opportunity to participate in something like this ever again? It was very special. And now, for your listening pleasure...