Memorable moment 7 · Tuesday, December 22, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Continued from page 1 "It was a memorable series of moments for a proud Canadian; what a privilege to carry the 2010 Olympic Flame in my hometown with so many friends and my son cheering me on; a real thrill. The opportunity to meet such fellow Canadians who each had an interesting story that had led them to be part of the relay," said Mulvale who took the souvenir torch she purchased on to Hopedale Mall with her as she manned a Christmas Kettle for the Salvation Army after her run. There were many uplifting stories about the Olympic spirit on both sides of the flame. Fortino recounted the story of sharing his shuttle to the relay in Toronto's distillery district on Friday with two other participants -- a well-to-do CEO and a shy high school girl. Conversation was at times sparse, he said, and after the run, the girl didn't take part much in the banter and excitement as everyone had purchased their torch, but she couldn't afford one. Then, Fortino said, "A volunteer approached the high school girl, handed her torch and said, `Madame, this gentleman (the CEO) has offered to purchase your torch for you as a gift.' She was overwhelmed with emotion... as was I. This was the power of that small flame." Oakville resident Cheryl Miller had her own story from Keswick later in the weekend. "I was so humbled by the opportunity to carry the Olympic flame 300 metres -- closer to its final destination at the 2010 Olympic Games. Although I didn't run in my hometown, the people of Keswick were out in full force and gave me the warmest welcome and support as if I were a local hero," said Miller. "I really wanted to share my experience with them and welcomed people to come and hold the torch with me for their own pictures. I noticed an elderly woman fighting the crowd to take my picture. I suggested that she stand beside me for an even better picture, which included her with the torch. I threw my arm around her shoulder and she beamed ear-to-ear. I suggested she hold the torch (unlit) with me and then she looked right into my eyes and said, `God bless you, Cheryl Miller.' My heart melted... .sometimes it is the little things that truly make a difference in people's lives," said Miller. "It was truly inspirational to be part of the torch relay. My leg of the relay started in LaSalle Park in Burlington and the crowds were amazing, so excited and obviously so proud to be a Canadian. My leg started with the crowd singing O Canada while my torch was lit and, standing there while the crowd sang, was something I will never forget," said Andrew Melito of Oakville who was able to have his photo taken with his kids, Olivia and Hunter, while he was carrying the torch. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER DANCE FOR JOY: Torchbearer Larry White (left) dances a jig with Fabio Pozzobon. GOOD LUCK HUG: Torchbearer Janice Fukakusa (right) gives Jessica Ashley Shepley a big hug. FAN FAVOURITE: Torchbearer Rhona Wurtele Gillis passes the flame to Jake Verrips as the Olympic torch runs along Lakeshore on Saturday afternoon. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER YOUNG TORCHBEARER: Shireen Shaath carries the Olympic torch. IN GOOD HANDS: Olympic Gold medalist Adam van Koeverden, right, exchanges Olympic torch flames with John Wood at the Burloak Canoe Club.