As the very first person chosen by RBC to be a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer, 34-year-old Caleb Taylor knows the importance of amateur sport to the youth of our country.
Caleb is an IT professional and avid sports fan from Regina, Saskatchewan. He entered the RBC Carry the Torch contest with a pledge to create stronger communities by volunteering to coach a local sports team.
We spoke to Caleb about how his work is helping the kids of Regina, why participating in the torch relay is important to him, and what his big day will look like.
Why did you make that particular pledge?
I'm a volunteer coach with the Outdoor Hockey League, or OHL. This league allows inner-city youth and children of families without the means to pay for organized hockey the ability to play through the winter months. It can drop to minus 40 degrees in Saskatchewan, but we're out there regardless, as long as there are kids willing to play.
Why are the Olympic Games — and amateur sport — important to you?
The Olympic Games represent a lot of good qualities. They celebrate the triumphs but they also are an opportunity to practice grace in defeat — the same values we teach the kids in the OHL. Giving youth the ability to play sports of any kind offers them a chance to develop leadership and social skills they might not otherwise learn, but will carry with them for the duration of their lives.
What does it mean to you to be chosen as a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer?
The Olympic Games unite the country, as all eyes turn to the events and to the torch relay as it travels across the country — and through Regina — in this once in a lifetime event. To be chosen to play such an important role is an amazing honour. This is definitely a story I'll be telling the grandkids!
How has your community reacted?
Everyone was very surprised, and there's been a lot of excitement in my hometown. I was asked to speak at a bonspiel at the local curling club, and at work they put an Olympic poster outside my office. I've become a local celebrity.
What will relay day look like for you?
I'll be wearing the 2010 Olympic Torchbearer Uniform, specially designed and made for the event by HBC (Hudson's Bay Company) and given to each of the 12,000 torchbearers as a keepsake. For me, the relay is all about community involvement and the kids. I've asked my family, friends and co-workers to come out to line the route and cheer me on. I plan to take my time and run the 300 metres slowly, so we can all enjoy the moment.
Will you be the next 2010 Olympic Torchbearer?
Share in this thrill of a lifetime with Caleb Taylor, by entering the RBC Carry the Torch contest to win the ultimate Olympic experience. There are more than 2,300 spots available through RBC's Carry the Torch contest. Applying is easy - anyone age 13 or over can enter, and athletic ability is not required!
To enter for your chance to Carry the Torch for Canada or learn more, just visit www.rbc.com/carrythetorch
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