Saturday, September 22, 2012

Olympic Heroes Tour

A couple of weeks ago, the Canadian Olympic Committee sent a call out for volunteers to assist with the Olympic Heroes Tour this past Thursday and the Olympic parade yesterday.

I was thrilled to get a phone call confirming that I would be volunteering for the events.

I started my day thursday at the Olympian breakfast in the old Maple Leaf Gardens where they spent time with kids from the KidSport and Boys and Girls Club programs.

There was a period where the volunteers didn't have anything to do but look around and spot our favourite Olympians. I was so happy to see some of my favourites in person.

It was also interesting to see them interact with each other. You get reminded that they don't all know each other. They meet in competition once every four years where all the sports are featured at the Olympics.

After the breakfast, I accompanied kayaker Hugues Fournel and Paralympian judoist Justin Karn to a high school in Scarborough where they told stories about their childhood, their love for sport and their achievements of becoming 2012 Olympians.


In the afternoon, judo bronze medallist Antoine Valois-Fortier and swimmer Charles Francis joined us to visit a middle school in Mississauga.


Once again, each Olympian took their turn telling their inspiring stories and Antoine thrilled the kids when he showed them his bronze medal.  The Olympians then went around to each classroom to give the kids a chance to see them up close and take a class photo.

The kids at both schools were thrilled to have Olympians visit their school. I'm sure that the Olympians helped the students to be more inspired to follow their dreams.

You would think that driving to Scarborough and back, then Mississauga and back would make for a boring day, but sharing a ride with Hugues and Justin made the time pass so quickly.  They are both funny and personable. I especially loved hearing about their experience in London 2012 - the incredible highs as well as the less than ideal experiences.

I was thrilled to have spent the day with Olympians and seeing the difference they make off the playing field (and out of the water).

Give Your Everything.
Giving Back.

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