Torch run - Kingston/ Greenwood

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

The arrival of the Olympic flame in Western Kings County was greeted by thousands of people, all eager to experience the once-in-a- generation experience of an Olympic torch relay.

The flame touched down at the Kingston RCMP detachment close to 2 p.m. Nov. 20 after making its way down the Valley from stops in Grand Pre, Wolfville, New Minas and Kentville. Kingston’s recreation coordinator Glen Abriel said the excitement was high among the crowds gathered on Main Street.

“The crowd was so enthusiastic, it was wonderful to see our community come out and welcome the torch,” Abriel said.

The public enjoyed hotdogs and hot chocolate while they waited and kids were even entertained with a pick-up street hockey game in the parking lot of the Kingston United Baptist Church.

“The church brought out the equipment for the kids - it was a great idea,” added Abriel, who offered his thanks to the church, Branch 98 of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Kingston Lions for their part in hosting the “short and intense” downtown celebration.

Four runners carried the torch between the RCMP station and the village office. They were stopped frequently by people in the crowd with cameras wanting to document the event.

Abriel summarized “the crowds, the excitement, the whole experience” as beyond expectation.

After the celebration in Kingston, the torch was transported to Greenwood, where a relay team from 14 Wing carried the flame from the old Canadian Tire location through the main gates of the base to the Fitness and Sports Centre.

Berwick resident Cpl Mike Dymond was one of 20 torch bearers hand picked by his unit commander for the torch-bearing honour.

“It was a totally awesome experience,” said Dymond just moments after the Greenwood relay wrapped up.

“I just couldn’t stop grinning the whole time.”

He said when MCpl Ken Caldwell handed off the torch to him, he “could have run with it for miles and miles.”

14 Wing Commander Col Bill Seymour also took part in the torch relay, noting 14 Wing was “very honoured to be part of this historic event.”