Torch run begins with reverence
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The arrival of the Olympic flame to Canada last week was a classic case of hurry up and wait, as members of the media began arriving at 443 Helicopter Squadron at 5 a.m. Friday for the flight, expected at 7:15 a.m. Some airport staff had been on the scene since 2 a.m., so the announcement that the flight had been delayed by two hours was not a welcome one.
Nervous tension hung in the large hanger while rows of empty blue plastic chairs sat facing an even emptier stage. The cool morning air wafted in through the open doors as politicians, guests and some children gathered in small groups making small talk to help pass the time.
Underlying it all was an air of expectation and excitement, something akin to the feeling of waiting for Christmas morning to arrive — only Santa was aboard a Canadian Forces Polaris aircraft.
As dawn broke over the Peninsula, anxious camera crews and reporters gathered along the ropes set out along the tarmac, jostling for position, watching small planes skim across the runway — then: “I see it”, “yeah, that’s it” the push to the front was subtle, and all eyes were on the large grey plane as it slowly emerged from the sky and touched the runway, steam and water rushing up under its tires as it braked hard in front of the hangar.
Moments later, like a prize fighter after a long bout, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson appeared at the door of the plane and pumped his right fist in the air as he held the small lantern containing the flickering flame of Olympic hopes, dreams and aspirations in his left. Shouts and applause greeted him as he descended the stairs, but not a word could be heard from the crowd as he bent to place the lantern reverently on Canadian soil for the first time.
We as a community can be proud of the way we welcomed the Olympic flame and the torch relay later in the day. Torch bearers across the Peninsula heard cheers and applause, and surely felt the good will of all those who came out to support them and the ideals of the Olympic Games as they made their way through our community Friday.
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