Two of our employees will proudly pound the pavement when they run in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

Lori Cyr and Tara Hluchy are among those who will carry the torch through Vancouver streets on February 11. Lori, an occupational therapy practice coordinator, and Tara, an environmental health officer, tossed their hats into the ring months ago to pursue the chance to take part.

Lori visited the Coca-Cola Canada website almost everyday for three months to try her luck at a lottery that provided participants with a chance to write an essay on how they “Live Olympic” either through active living or environment awareness. “I chose to write on the environment” Lori said, “and described how changes my family made during the mid-70s oil crisis formed the practices I continue today.”
 
Lori said when she found out she had been selected to take part in the torch relay, “I cried – it’s a very powerful feeling.”

Her sister is coming from the Maritimes to witness the event, and a cousin who lives locally is her designated photographer. Lori is also an Olympic volunteer.

Tara applied through RBC’s online contest because she wanted to take part in a “once in a lifetime chance” that appealed to this “always active” individual – running, half-marathons and skiing fill her recreational time.

Who will be coming out to watch Tara? “Co-workers – possibly former chief medical health Officer Dr. John Blatherwick – and family.”

The Olympics factor into Tara’s work – she is assigned to sites around Coal Harbour during the Games. The venues she’ll be responsible for include the International Broadcast Centre and an Olympic Family hotel. “The Games are a great thing for the city and it’s neat that I can participate with my job,” Tara said.

While Lori and Tara look forward to the torch relay, another VCH employee will look north to the mountains and remember the excitement of taking part as an Olympic athlete. Jaime Fortier is an RN who works on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. “I competed in cross-country skiing in 1998 in Nagano and in 2002 in Salt Lake City.” According to Jaime, the Games are “exciting, especially your first time – the first time is magical.”

Jaime hopes to be in the Callaghan Valley during the cross-country ski events to cheer on Canada’s athletes. “The ultimate principles of participating in the Olympics are camaraderie and spirit – and to have fun” she said.

VCH torch bearer routes – Thursday, February 11

• Tara is carrying the torch at 12:50 p.m. on Tyne Street from 54th Avenue to 47th Avenue
• Lori is carrying the torch at 4:20 p.m. on West 49th Avenue, 1100-1300 blocks (west of Oak Street)

Both will carry the torch for approximately 300 metres – if you can, come out and cheer them on!