The Silers

So tonight was a highlight for me as I don't get out much anymore! Anyway on Jan. 15 2010 I got to hold the Olympic torch. Caryn and I went to the Ceremony here in Red Deer and left the boys at home with the babes! After running quite a ways to find exactly where we wanted to be, we randomly saw a guy waiting for his leg of the race with no one around. So of course we asked him if we could hold the torch! We were obviously thrilled when he said yes!

Just up the road, was where we actually trying to get, the young man in this picture is remarkable. I taught him Phys. Ed 2 years ago as ninth grader. His name is Niek Theelan. With limited used of his legs he walks with two canes and braces on both ankles. In my class I treated him no differently than the others as I wanted to see what he was capable of. Obviously if he wasn't up to the task or if it was too dangerous we made other arrangements for him but I would say he participated 99% of the time. He is funny, hard working, and just a great person to be around.

On more than one occasion during our class Niek brought me to tears with his dedication and perseverance. During our track and field unit I wondered what he would be able to take part in, particularly the running events. So on the day of the 400m I was amazed when Niek lined up to get timed. I knew it would take him a while but we all waited for him to finish. After about 300m (also the distance he walked tonight with just one cane) he decided to throw down his canes and make a dash for the finish line. His whole class was cheering him on and a few of them were running beside him. In that last 100m he fell just once, flat out, got up and made his way to the finish line.

Niek is a remarkable young man, an inspiration to all who know him, and I am so proud to have been there to see him carry the Olympic torch for his community! Way to go Niek!!