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Olympic torch was crowd pleaser 5 · Tuesday, December 22, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Continued from page 1 were also joined by Councillor Tom Adams as they made their way along Lakeshore Road. The skiing icons took time to visit with local residents and young people. There was no shortage of Olympic spirit -- clothing, signs, flags and more -- as the torch came through town. Grace Violin, 7, cheered on the torchbearers with a homemade torch she'd made. Oakville resident Verna Dalgleish, who was to carry the torch later in the weekend, was out Saturday with her family to cheer on those bearing the torch in Oakville. Young Oakvillians climbed aboard their parents' shoulders to catch a glimpse of history while others staked out their spots to ensure a good view. On the last shopping weekend before Christmas, it was business as usual as streets, parking and more stayed open -- but the real event taking place was the torch run. While more Oakville residents are carrying the torch outside of the Oakville leg that took place Saturday, it carries the same pride and honour for each. For each, it is a moment to participate in not only the Olympics -- for Canada -- but in a global sporting event that goes back hundreds of years. "The experience was incredible. I am now amazed at the power of that small flame. Everyone has always said that it represents peace, hope and all that is good in people, and I experienced this first hand," said Oakville resident Frank Fortino who carried the torch Friday in Toronto. "It was amazing ... that's the flame that's going to be lit at the Olympics and you're the only one carrying it at that time," said Alysia DaSilva, 13, a Grade 8 Appleby College student and a goalie with the Mississauga Braves hockey team. DaSilva, of Oakville, carried the flame 50 metres as her hockey team shared the moment in history earlier Saturday at the Mississauga Civic Centre. "I balled my eyes out," said her mom, Rose, of Oakville. "It's history, it hit us that day," she added, noting NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER PASSING THE TORCH: Torchbearer Jessica Rae Langelaan celebrates as the Olympic flame changes hands between Langelaan and Mark Rutledge. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER TORCHBEARER: Former mayor Ann Mulvale carries the Olympic torch. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER LINDSEY RYDER / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER TEAMWORK: Torchbearer Ron Baugh passes the Olympic flame to Jessica Bryce. SEEING DOUBLE: Eighty-seven-year old Rhoda Wurtele Eaves (left) passes the Olympic flame to her twin sister, Rhona Wurtele Gillis, cheered on by Councillor Tom Adams in the Towne Square. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER PASSING THE TORCH: Torchbearer James Westlake runs with the Olympic torch along Lakeshore Road. See Memorable page 7 PROUD MOMENT: Jessica Ashley Shepley caries the Olympic torch.