Sunday, February 26, 2012 - The Morning Star A3
www.vernonmorningstar.com
News LISA VANDERVELDE/ MORNING STAR
Jaedyn Andreotti (front) and Isabella Haldane wow the crowd with an energetic and colourful routine with the Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics and Cirque Theatre Company at the B.C. Winter Games Opening Ceremonies Thursday night at Wesbild Centre. For more photos and video footage visit www.vernonmorningstar.com
Greater Vernon celebrates the Games ROGER KNOX Morning Star Staff
She high-fived all of the athletes from the eight zones as they entered the Wesbild Centre in the official B.C. Winter Games opening ceremonies Thursday night. She praised the support the athletes receive from their parents, coaches and sporting organizations and communities. And, after receiving the flame from the final two torchbearers – decorated Vernon speed skater Connie Kapak and Vernon Special Olympics multi-medalist Steven Linemayr – B.C. Premier Christy Clark lit the official Greater Vernon B.C. Winter Games cauldron in the Wesbild Centre, and declared the 2012 Games officially open. “Thanks to all of those who have participated in supporting these young people, many of whom will go on to great things, and are learning beyond the realm of sport, thanks to all of you who made it possible for their talent to shine as it will over the next few days,� said Clark to a thunderous ovation from the near-capacity crowd. Okanagan Indian Band councillor Homer Alexis welcomed all participants to the Games being held
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Figure skater Serena Woo of Vancouver displays her excitement to be taking part in the Winter Games. Special Olympics athlete Steven Linemayr (above), escorted by the B.C. Winter Games sergeant at arms Richard Schneider, brings the torch into the Wesbild Centre for its last leg of the torch run Thursday evening. on traditional land, while elder Virginia Gregoire offered a prayer in her native dialect. Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky welcomed the visitors to Greater Vernon with tongue firmly in cheek. “I apologize for the warm weather,� deadpanned Sawatzky. “I know you wanted cold, minus 20 temperatures but we opened the doors at city hall and let all of the hot air out.� Greater Vernon Games orga-
nizing committee president Akbal Mund, not one for making speeches, thanked the 2,434 volunteers, which drew raucous applause. “That’s what it’s all about,� said Mund. “It’s about them, keep clapping. Without them, the Games would not be possible.� The biggest applause was, naturally, saved for the athletes and coaches, escorted into the Wesbild Centre by Queen Silver Star royalty. The loudest cheer was reserved for the final team, the host zone, Zone
2 Thompson Okanagan During a lull to fix a microphone glitch, Kelowna female hockey player Kennedy Kneller said waiting to enter the Wesbild Centre was nerve-wracking. “Terrifying, actually,� laughed Kneller, 14. “You’re looking around and you want to make sure you don’t fall, don’t trip, don’t run into anyone. I thought it was great, though. The public support for us is overwhelming.�
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Activity..........................B17 Arts................................B5 ClassiďŹ eds....................B19 Editorial..........................A8 Letters............................A9 Lifestyles........................B1 Sports..........................A21 6OL s .O ˆ 0AGES
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