Torch shines as a beacon in Lighthouse Country
Olympic torch relay runner Janet Bauer from Victoria raises the torch and her arms in celebration as she jogs into Bowser Monday morning. Fred Davies Photo
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Updated: November 02, 2009 8:50 PM
Bowser releases 21 dove salute as relay arrives
There are those that disapprove of the Olympics but none seemed to be among the hundreds of smiling citizens who turned out to view Olympic Torch Relay runners in Lighthouse Country Monday morning.
Revelers lined the route at Qualicum First Nation campground and in front of the Sandbar Cafe before a cavalcade of support vehicles and police cruisers signaled arrival of the torch in Bowser Village.
“I ordinarily don’t like my picture being taken,” said torch bearer Janet Bauer from Victoria, with a broad smile, flame held high as she passed by Magnolia Court before stopping in front of the legion to transfer the flame back into its lantern for transport further down the highway to an assembly planned at Bowser Elementary School.
“It was awesome. It was amazing,” summed up Bauer after the experience.
As she jogged, 21 doves flew overhead, released to commemorate the occasion.
“Look at all the people here. What a terrific way to bring together the community,” said Betsy Poel member of the relay organizing committee.
“The first dove is to remember Barb Lyotier. This is all possible because of her,” said Poel, of Barb, the tireless Olympic relay organizer for the area who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.
A pancake breakfast, musical entertainment and refreshments were all part of the occasion with a brief torch stop made at Bower Elementary to unveil 149 student art panels of winter themed art assembled in the shape of inukshuks.
reporter@pqbnews.com
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