Curling has been an important part of Ryan Lafreniere's life. It has provided him with opportunities for elite competition at the national level, and a platform on which to share his knowledge with the next generation of curlers.
Now, through a chance of a lifetime, the 21-year-old Sudbury curler is being honoured for his dedication to the sport by being selected as the first RBC 2010 Olympic Torchbearer for Sudbury.
Through the RBC Carry the Torch contest, Lafreniere was selected as one of more than 12,000 individuals who will help carry the Olympic flame across the country for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Following a traditional lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece, the Olympic flame will make the 45,000-kilometre journey through every Canadian province and territory over the course of 100 days.
The relay will culminate at BC Place on February 12, 2010, with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, signaling the start of the Olympics.
“To be a part of the Olympic spirit, especially when the games are being hosted by our country, is truly a sensational feeling,” said Lafraniere. “To say the least, I'm looking forward to this once in a lifetime opportunity, to carry the torch and to carry the Olympic flame on its journey to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.”
As a torchbearer, Lafraniere has made a pledge to help create a stronger community, by giving back to his sport.
“Like thousands of other Canadians, I made a personal commitment to do something in my daily life to make Canada an even better place to live,” he said. “My pledge to my community, and to Canada, involves coaching the Olympic sport of curling.”
Over the years, Lafreniere has completed several courses in coaching and become a trained Level Three curling coach through the National Coaching Certification program. More recently, he has become a learning facilitator with the Northern Ontario Curling Association and has delivered courses to aspiring coaches.
“I hope my pledge will allow our young athletes to help be a part of the solution to create a better tomorrow for themselves and the world around them,” he said.
“These young athletes are certainly instrumental in the growth of our winter sport, and are the next generation of curlers.
“When the Olympic flame passes through our city, you can rest assured that I will carry it with pride.”
The 2010 Olympic torch is set to make its way through Sudbury Jan. 2, 2010.
