Ed Kane, assistant vice-president (university services) has been selected as an official Olympic torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
On Dec. 11, Kane and several other torchbearers will carry the torch and run across parts of Ontario and Quebec, representing the Canadian spirit.
Kane said having the opportunity to run with the torch is a great honour, especially since he is an immigrant to Canada.
Even though Kane plays soccer on a weekly basis, he said he started training for his portion of the relay in June. Currently, he can run up to 10 kilometres at a time. For the torch run Kane will run several km in Gatineau, Que.
In preparation, he had an intensive training session on Dec. 9.
He has followed the Olympic Torch relay ever since it started in the west coast – and now it’s his turn.
Kane said he was “very pleased” to be considered for the 2010 torch relay but didn’t expect to be chosen because of the thorough selection process.
When he received his selection letter in the mail, Kane said he felt honoured to be a Canadian citizen. Kane’s son is a software developer for the Vancouver 2010 Games and Kane said he is pleased to have an opportunity to take part in the Olympics as well.
He said the Vancouver 2010 site “looks great” and “brings a lot of pride to the country [as] athletes represent Canada in a positive light”.
Kane said he has been waiting anxiously for his turn in the relay.
“I hope I don’t trip,” he said.