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Rick Hansen Relay departs Kimberley; arriving in Cranbrook
Today is day 237 of the 25th anniversary Rick Hansen Relay.
It leaves Kimberley at 11:11 a.m. this morning (April 16), passes through Marysville at 12:29 p.m. and heads to Cranbrook, arriving at about 3:09 p.m.
Cranbrook’s first leg will feature several ‘difference makers,’ including Donna Butler and Karin Penner.
“Donna umpires wheelchair curling, including at the Paralympic Games in 2010 and at three provincial and world championships. She is inspired by the athletes’ courage and spirit. She has also volunteered for other sports, cancer research and youth events for over 30 years. A few years ago, Donna and her husband even shaved their heads as a fundraiser for the Relay for Life,” notes rickhansenrelay.com. Her section of the route will be 9th Ave. to 10th Ave. North
“Karin has been a leader in the community for many years. She is General Manager of the Chamber of Commerce and has developed a program for young girls called The Sam Steele Sweetheart, which has been a huge success in the community for several decades,” adds the website. Karin’s leg begins at Player’s Bench Sports on the strip and ends at the Heritage Inn.
To add some sound spice to the event, the Cranbrook Bugle Band will join the relay at the Canfor offices and accompany it to Rotary Park.
As with the end of every day of the relay, there will be an end-of-the-day celebration – with Cranbrook’s taking place at Rotary Park. A number of VIP guest speakers will be on hand for the community celebration.
Day 239 (April 18) sees the relay depart Rotary Park at 8:55 a.m., with the first stop of the day at Laurie Middle School. It will then head to Mount Baker Secondary School before winding over to the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel at 10:13 a.m. The relay leaves Cranbrook at 10:29 a.m., heading west on Highway 3 for Moyie.
An initial medal bearer this day is Joel Robison. “Over the last four years, Joel has volunteered with The Otesha Project, a youth run organization that promotes sustainability and responsible choices for young people through cycling trips across Canada,” explains rickhansenrelay.com. “He has completed four tours, each consisting of at least 2,000 km of cycling and countless presentations to young people across Western Canada. Joel and his teammates have been able to promote healthy living through physical activity while having a positive impact on the world. During each trip they engaged communities and encouraged audience members to make positive changes in their daily lives to help make their country and communities healthier and more sustainable.”
When the relay passes through Moyie at 10:58 a.m., Cecil “Bud” Ellis will take charge of the Rick Hansen medal. “Bud and his wife, Patsy, have been active members of their community since they moved to Moyie over 40 years ago. During this time, Bud has served on numerous occasions as President, Vice-President or Director of the Moyie Community Association. He has a vast knowledge about the local area, always keeping up to date on environmental, fisheries and lake stewardship issues, and has represented Moyie in this capacity. In mid-November, Bud and Patsy collect and place evergreen wreaths on bus stops, the community hall, museum and church. Bud is always there to assist local fundraising activities and help in various ways,” the website outlines.
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
