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Dozens in Cache Valley involved in Olympic Torch Relay By
Angela Peterson In an event that captures the essence of peace and unity, the Olympic Torch Relay finds itself burning in the hearts of many people in Cache Valley. At least 16 residents from around the valley have been selected to carry the torch for part of the journey, and dozens are involved in it by other means. USU student Krista Rowles is one of two media coordinators for this historical event and will be traveling the entire course of the Olympic Torch Relay. "This torch relay is all about inspiration, and how others have inspired us," said Rowles. "For this reason, every torchbearer has been nominated by someone for their inspiration." According to MSNBC.com, "the runners were selected by panels of community judges, who were looking for people who embody the Olympic spirit to carry the 3-pound torch for two-tenths of a mile." Cammi Carleson, a 21-year-old Preston native born with cerebral palsy, inspired Tim Steele so much that after only meeting her once, he nominated her because "she upholds the highest standards of Olympicism," he said in a Nov. 24 Herald Journal article. "I met Camie while photographing the OTR test event; she came out and greeted us with contagious enthusiasm, eagerly expressing her involvement with her true love, the Special Olympics." Carlson will speed walk her portion of the torch run on Jan. 26 or 27, in Pocatello, Fort Hall, Idaho Falls or Rexburg. "From what I've heard, everybody in town is happy for me," Carlson says of her status as an Olympic torchbearer. Spend any time driving around Logan, and you're bound to catch a glimpse of another local torchbearer. Brent Carpenter, also known as "Cache Valley's most prominent bike rider" and "Cache Valley's goodwill ambassador," can be seen waving as hard as he can at anyone and everyone as he pedals along. Carpenter, also born with palsy, will carry the torch on foot -- but it was not his first choice. "He wanted to ride his bike, but they said he couldn't," said Carpenter's sister, Tammy Wilson in a Herald Journal news story. "It doesn't matter, though, because he couldn't hold on to the torch and wave and ride." Carpenter, whose "infectious smile and optimistic outlook that brightens the attitudes of those around him," was nominated by Wilson at the suggestion of a co-worker. So, according to a Nov. 21 article in the Herald Journal, "Cache Valley's most prominent bike rider" will have to carry the torch on foot. Many torchbearers also feel honored and humbled to be a part of the Olympics, and share some of the same thoughts. In an interview printed in the Herald Journal, Barry Beutler, a Centerville native, said he doesn't know what sets him apart from the 21,000 torchbearer applicants. Even though he is one of 20 Olympic torchbearers for Cache Valley, Beutler is humble about his nomination and appointment. "There's a lot of people who deserve it more than I do," he said. "It's an honor to be able to participate because so few people get to do it." The torch not only draws these citizens of Cache Valley together, but also everyone who comes in contact with it. In an article in The Salt Lake Tribune, John Landy, a former Australian athlete, said that, "The torch touches everybody. It's the greatest thing, really, the Games have done. It has brought the Games to the people, no matter where they are, and it's a very special thing." The Olympic flame returned to the United States last week for the start of a two-month, 46-state trip to Salt Lake City. The torch relay will visit 80 American cities, with about 11,500 people carrying it more than 13,500 miles before its arrival in Utah for the Winter Games' opening ceremony Feb.8. Unity and togetherness take on an especially important role as the torch relay swings through Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and New York City in three weeks. In an article in The Salt Lake Tribune Mike Gorrell wrote, "Imagine how many tears will flow as the Olympic flame is held aloft by World Trade Center widows and widowers, firefighters, Pentagon clerks and survivors of airplane passengers who said "Let's roll" and, through their self-sacrifice, prevented the tragedy from being even worse." Rowles agrees and says that the experience in dealing with people affected by Sept. 11 has been wonderful. "I was put in charge of finding 100 torchbearers to honor in relation to Sept. 11. I have come in contact with some of the most inspirational people," she said. "To listen to them share their stories of their loved ones who were victims of the terrorist acts, or the thousands of hours of volunteer work at Ground Zero, whatever it may be it always brings me to tears." More information on the Olympic Torch Relay may be found on the Official Site of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
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