Editor:
In his letter (Coast Reporter, Feb. 5), Bill Forst states that Sunshine Coast torch bearers were "selected by" RBC and Coca Cola. He suggests that those selected "children" would likely be wearing RBC and Coca Cola logos. As one of the very fortunate few who carried the torch on Feb. 4, I would like to set the record straight.
Firstly, there is a minimum age for torch bearers. Secondly, I was sponsored by the Royal Bank, but I was not "selected" by the Royal Bank. I was selected by the Olympic Torch Committee. At no time was it even suggested that I wear anything with a RBC logo. In fact, it was specifically stated that no logos of any sort could be worn, whatsoever.
I agree that everyone has a right to voice their opinion on the Olympics; however, I do think it's important that those opinions be based on fact. For me, the fact of the matter is that, as a torchbearer representing the Sunshine Coast, I have never in my life experienced so much community spirit as was bubbling up in Spirit Square from early in the morning until long after the cauldron was lit. I have never felt so much pride in being a British Columbian and a Canadian.
Each torchbearer across the country was chosen for a special reason and I have a heart that will continue to glow from the experience.
Mary Winn
Gibsons
