Carry the Torch
I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Thursday, to see the Olympic torch being carried through Durham. And to watch my friend and colleague Chris Williamson carry the torch, on behalf of all the volleyball athletes he has trained in the past, and all those he has vowed to train in the future. It was an emotional moment.
To back up a bit, Chris, and his wife Janet Cairns, are the founders of the girls side of our Club. They have worked tirelessly, for almost 15 years, to build Durham Attack into one of the most successful girls volleyball clubs in the country. Those that know Chris, know him as the ultimate community coach and an ultra sports fan, who has produced a number of national championship teams and national team players. So when the call went out for volunteers to carry the torch to our Olympic games, its no surprise that Chris was one of the 10,000 picked from the million who applied.
Friends, family, and Attack alumni gathered on a cold winter day, waiting for Chris and the torch procession to arrive. Once they did, we forgot completely about the cold. The previous runner arrived and passed the flame to Chris. I think Chris was in awe of what he was carrying. And we were too.
I have to say it was a touching moment, because it made the Olympics very real and tangible to me, with real people who contribute to our success, not just a spectacle on TV. Whether our parents realize it or not,  the Club and our provincial programs are working towards that goal. So to watch Chris carry the torch today just emphasized to me that we can do it.
Larry Skelly
