For Richelle Williams, Saturday was just a taste of what’s to come.

Williams has been chosen as a torch bearer for the 2010 Olympic relay. But even though was born and raised in Cowichan, her leg of the historic journey will be in Midland, Ont. on Dec. 29.

“It is unfortunate I cannot run the torch through the Cowichan Valley,” said Williams, “but I will represent the people of the valley to the best of my ability.”

Williams applied for the opportunity with a slight hesitation.

“Part of me didn’t think it could happen; if it wasn’t for my colleagues pushing me I wouldn’t have gone for it. But I wrote my story and then I got the call.”

One of those colleagues was Danielle Vienneau. Vienneau is program manager for Activate, a youth sport and leadership program, and Gen 7, an aboriginal youth mentoring program. She was part of the team that nominated Williams for the torch bearing honour.

“Richelle is young, energetic and cares a lot about people. She is wise beyond her years. I love working with her,” Vienneau said. “Richelle just has so much to give and she is always looking ahead.”

It was a competitive process in which thousands applied. Williams and the 19 others will be sponsored by Motivate Canada, a national youth-driven organization. All those sponsored by Motivate Canada are running in Ontario.

“I will carry the flame as a champion, not only for Cowichan Tribes and British Columbia but nationally in representing Aboriginal youth athletes alike,” said Williams.

Williams has been in sport her entire life. She has competed in numerous sports such as soccer, lacrosse, rugby and volleyball, on the local, provincial and national levels.

She recently returned from the nation’s capital where she interned with Athletes Can, working on a mentoring program that is the first of its kind in Canada. During this time she worked with influential women of sport.

She someday hopes to become a mentor for others, especially for aboriginal women across Canada.

“I want to give hope to aboriginal girls, show that we can walk a positive path. Some of these girls have never been exposed to that. I hope to be the glimmer of hope that they need.”

Williams is the first to admit that she has made some poor choices during her youth.

“I’ve been through a lot in the last few years but with help from my mentors I chose to overcome those things and to not crumble.”

Williams departs the valley for Toronto Dec. 27.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “You can guarantee I will return to the Cowichan Valley and share my Olympic Torch experience.”