Michael Pinkney will be getting a head start on the Olympic spirit as his participation begins a day earlier than most runners in the county.
Pinkney, of Fergus, will be carrying the Olympic Torch through Woodstock on Dec. 27 at 11:17am – just before reaching the city hall.
“I got involved with the Olympic Torch run to be a part of something that has the ability to unite people from across the world. I don’t possess the athletic talent to be in the Olympics so this was one of my shots to be somehow associated with that magical feeling of something so special,” he said. “I am a high school teacher in Orangeville and I also wanted to be able to share some of that magic with them.”
Pinkney’s entry was, “I simply pledge to help continue to make Canada a wonderful place to live for my unborn child. I will live stronger. I will not be afraid to share my ideas and thoughts. I will take risks and I will support those around me. I will spread my enthusiasm for life through the people I interact with and leave those around me with a smile or a little bit of my enthusiasm.
“Coaching and mentoring the youth of today is what is going to continue to make this the wonderful place that I grew up in. Many people took time out of their lives to teach me many skills that were applicable on and off the play areas.
“Continuing that tradition and providing others with energy, morals, and knowledge will help continue the cycle of kids doing everything that was an option in the CREATE stronger communities tab.”