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‘$ TORONTO2015 TORCHRELAY CELEBRATION COMMUNITY Ready toR Three thousand torchbearers will carry the power of the energy of the Pan Am flame coast to coast this summer - including Scugog’s own Gary Edgar and Dana Smith. These two local residents call each other friends, and both are proud to be part of this historic event, being held in Port Perry on June 8. Gary was in South Carolina when he got word that he was chosen by Scugog Township council to be part of the relay. “It’s quite an honour,” he commented. “I was humbled and thrilled. I’m really looking forward to it.” Seventy-four years young, Gary was described ina press release from the township as, “a natural selection.... an inspirational community leader and athlete who was inducted into the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.” A former physical education teacher and track coach, Gary excelled in track and field, hockey and basketball. He’s a retired Chief, and also retired as the PR rep for Blue Heron Casino. Gary continues supporting many worthwhile endeavours, i in his role as a member of the 1g Community Associati Gary y has had both knees replaced, so he says he’s good to go to walk the 200m carrying the torch symbolizing the spirit of the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Through the OLG Pass It Ontario Program, Dana Smith was also selected to be a torchbearer. She was “very surprised and pleased” to be chosen by the Scugog Chamber of Commerce. A two-time winner of the Scugog Business of the Year Award, Dana is well known for her Queen St. destination store, Dana’s Goldsmithing. A lifelong local resident, she has been in business for 23 years, and has a reputation as a good corporate citizen. “Tam very excited to be named as a torchbearer,” added Dana. “I feel honoured to be chosen to represent my friends and neighbours by carrying the torch on behalf of the town.” Gary Edgar and Dana Smith will proudly carry the Pan Am torch representing Scugog Township. Monday June 8, Festivities start at 11:30 a.m. ETA of Torch: 1:15 p.m. She likes the concept of the torch relay because, “It promotes community spirit.” Dana is always ready to lend a hand to help good causes and promote her hometown. Dana is a very athletic person. She formerly played women’s hockey, and sponsors teams. Her latest passion is golf. Dana and her family have “enjoyed every sport under the sun.” Carrying the torch for 200 m will be a piece of cake, and she has her choice of running, walking or jogging. The Scugog Chamber of Commerce chose Dana, “because she embodies the core characteristics | of the torch relay: i pride. celebration, parti: and Here are some fun facts about the Pan Am and Parapan Am Torch Relay. It runs from May 30 through July 10; that’s 41 days. A total of 5,000 kilometres will be covered by road and 15,000 kilometres in the air. Planes, trains and even ferryboats will be used to transport the torch. The Pan Am torch itself is 65 cm long and 1.2 kg in weight. Constructed out of aluminum, it will feature the colourful United We Play pictograms. It is visible in all weather conditions. The burn time is 10 - 12 minutes, and the flame can withstand up to 70 kilometer winds. Each torchbearer will be provided with a commemorative uniform to wear for the relay. The exact local route is yet to be announced, but Palmer Park will be a gathering place. No doubt, the residents of Scugog township will display their famous community spirit by coming together to cheer on Gary and Dana, as they fulfill their civic duty by carrying the Pan Am torch, proud and high. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog Please Note: As press time approached, we learned of a third torchbearer and will cheer on local resident Sara McCoshen too! FOCUS - JUNE 2015 3