The Torch

By Lady Jodie

Kadyn jumped up and down and swung his arms. Then he blew on his hands to keep the chill out of his fingers. It was cold but at least the sun was shining. The entire population of Jade Heights was present for this special event. Throngs of people lined Main Street, most jumping around and trying to keep warm while they waited for the arrival of the next torch bearer.

Not only Kadyn, but also his Dad had been two of many Jade Heights citizens to apply on the internet for a chance to be an official Olympic Torch bearer. Both had been lucky enough to be chosen to run through their home town.

The crowd cheered as the lead vehicles came into sight. Chief Barrett turned on the siren much to the delight of the children. The drivers of the white van and the two cars advertizing the 2010 Olympic Games, honked their horns. Following a short distance behind was a large Coca-Cola truck with huge speakers blaring out and one of the organizers yelling for people to get ready.

If it was possible, the crowd actually grew louder as Mr. Hart appeared from the direction of the highway leading to Kelowna. Like his son, he was dressed in a white outfit with shades of green and blue covering his left arm. A number adorned the right side of his jacket and a picture of the torch was on the left.

He ran up to Kadyn and lit the torch the young man was holding. Flags were waving madly and the noise level rose to deafening proportions.

It seemed as if the older generation was passing the flame to the younger one. Vincent and Mrs. Hart were among the picture takers. Having been standing next to Kadyn, they had the perfect advantage for getting the best photos.

Kadyn smiled and held the torch up over his head as he began to run towards the next bearer. Mr. and Mrs. Hart hugged each other and laughed when Vincent took off to accompany his partner.

It seemed to take only minutes to cover the three hundred metres allotted to him before Kadyn was lighting his best friend’s torch. This time it was three of the Pierce men in the forefront with cameras flashing.

Once Rene’s torch was going strong, he was off and running. Kadyn quickly slipped on the red jacket Vincent handed him and zipped it up. He pulled the hood over his head so little of the white clothing he had on was showing. This was Rene’s moment in the sun, but Kadyn wanted to run beside his friend. Vincent and Zack ran with them.

It was a once in a lifetime experience and the two young men who had been looking forward to it for so long, were definitely pumped.

All too soon, they reached the other end of the small town and Rene was lighting some young lady’s torch. Although their runs were over, the adrenaline would race on for some time to come and the memories would last forever.

The End