The Olympic torch was in St. John's, Newfoundland today. It started at Cape Spear, North America's most easterly point and it marched proudly through the communities of Petty Harbour, the Goulds, Conception Bay South, Manuels, Chamberlains, Paradise, Mount Pearl, and finally it ended up being paraded to the Confederation building and on through the streets of St. John's, Newfoundland.
The weather was cool and the sky was overcast but there was no wind, rain or snow to be concerned with. The festivities ended at Bowering Park, in the west end of St. John's, this evening with a real Newfoundland kitchen party that included live music, hot beverages and a super charge of good old Olympic fever.
I managed to catch a glimpse of one relay team and happily they obliged me by posing around the statue of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, adjacent to the Confederation Building, right after their own relay stint was finished.
Somehow it seemed fitting too that each of them were affiliated with the Association of New Canadians. I thought this was an appropriate place for them to be photographed since Sir Wilfred himself was both a champion and a supporter of the local communities in years gone by. He brought medicine, education and social infrastructure to Northern and Western Newfoundland. He arrived from England in 1892 and dedicated his life to helping the people who lived and fished off Newfoundland and Labrador.
"Through his tireless efforts – fund-raising, building hospitals, nursing stations, schools, and more – Dr. Grenfell enriched the lives of thousands of people. In St. Anthony, a museum has been established in his original house, containing photographs and memorabilia of his life, and a statue in his honor stands in the town’s Grenfell Park. The hospital he constructed in 1924 still stands, and the International Grenfell Association, based in St. Anthony, continues his work" (Memorial University Sir Wilfred Grenfell College website).
Here are a few shots I took today to remember the occasion. The final shot below with the lovely gal holding the torch high with a big smile is Rae Anne Tremblett, my future daughter in law. She works with the Recreation Department of the city of St. John's and had a first hand look at the race for most of the day. She was so close in fact she was handed the torch to have her photo taken with it. Come to think of it, being Rae Anne's future father in law is about as close as I will ever come to being a real Olympic champion. I am thankful for whatever small pleasure I can get at this stage of life.
© Copyright R. Greg Osmond 2009.
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About the Author: R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor dedicated to serving the people of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Kilbride, Goulds, Conception Bay South (CBS), Portugal Cove - St. Philips, Torbay – Flatrock – Pouch Cove, and Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 21 years Greg has been practicing in Real Estate. He can be reached at 709-895-2500.
Want to get in touch? Email rgosmond1@gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rgregosmond.com. Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for helping my clients with buying and selling real estate! If there is any way I can be of service to you today, please feel free to contact me!
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