Our December 14th.

December 14th has unfolded a truly historic day for me, a day that will not soon be forgotten by myself nor by my wife and kids. Still overwhelmed by today’s events, I close my eyes and I can easily recreate all the emotions that were generated by this truly spectacular day. The highlight of my torch carry was definitely the tremendous support that I was given by my family, my friends, my colleagues and the beautiful public. I must say you all really came though for me. I want each and everyone of you to know that your presence whether near or far, transpired in assisting me to carry the flame. You warmed my heart and your presence was felt for the full 300 meter distance!
Today I ran and I accomplished something special, I was able to represent all of you extraordinary Canadians who showed your support whether in Cornwall or in Morrisburg, at home or at work. I am honoured to have been able to represent such great citizens!
I must also acknowledge the complete disproportionate amount of support, cheers and fanfare that the official Olympic Torch Mario Fan Club demonstrated today. WOW you guys really know how to put it on! Even the VANOC committee was impressed, they had not seen this much small town support ever! The signs, the horns, the noisemakers, the flags, the T-shirt, the smiles and cheers, easily identified all of you as the proudest supporters of any torchbearer in history.
With the kick off celebration at work, all the smiles, all best wishes and all encouraging words, there was no way anyone on the receiving end could have failed! A special mention goes out to Chantal, Emma and Émilie for being at my side and feeding my anticipation since day one. I also want to recognize a few amazing friends who made the event ever so special; thank you to Julie, Shawn, Lynn, Gilles and Émilie; you guy's truly portray the Olympic spirit! A special mention goes out to a previous Torchbearer who guided me through the whole process, I surely hope that one day I will have the chance to help a fellow Torchbearer as you helped me, thank you so much Joe.
All of you warmed my heart, filled my eyes with tears, and added a few lifelong smile wrinkles to my cheeks, but most of all you were there in body or in spirit to celebrate and to create life long memories that I will cherish for ever. These memories will endure time and become perpetual as I tell my grand children the story of my December 14th, 2009.

Thank you all so much.

Mario.

The day is almost here!

This is it! Tomorrow I will be carring the torch. I can't wait, it is going to be an amazing experience.
Here are some last minute videos for you to view on my secret training techniques.





Come back in the next few days and there will be some photos from the big day posted.

OK Dundas County , time to step up to the plate!

Dundas County and area residents, this is your call! We want all of you to tell your friends, neighbours, family to get out their noise makers and to put Dundas County on the Olympic history map!

This is your your chance to shine and to show the Nation your energy, spirit and enthusiasm! So I ask everyone who knows anyone in this truly Historic County, to contact them and invite to take part in writing history, by showing the most support per capita for the Olympic Flame. Together we can do this!

Time is of the essence, as we have only a few days to rally everyone's support.

The torch relay, will run on Hwy 31 in Morrisburg, from Felker Way to Hwy 2 (traffic light) and we need everyone lined up and ready to cheer for 2:15PM on Monday Dec 14th.

So, wear as much red as you possibly can and bring your children, your relatives, your flags, your horns, your cheers and your smiles; because we need you there! What do you say Dundas?

Come on Flame we're ready to show you our true colours!

Less than a week!

Only a few days before history repeat itself; the Olympic flame returns to our neighbourhood! My family and myself are so excited only by the anticipation of the event.

Dad has been busy constructing foam torches for the kids. They will proudly carry their torches during the 2km Fun-Run that takes place in Lamoureux Park (Cornwall) on December 14th, preceding the festivities leading up to the lighting of the cauldron around noon. I am also planning on attending the Fun-Run with my lovely wife.

Speaking of wives, I just wanted to mention that being a Torchbearer's wife is not an easy task but one that my wife was made for, as she is the best supporter anyone could ever want.

We can already fell the energy and the buzz around us as the Flame approaches Ottawa. Local communities are busy planning their respective events for celebrating the Olympics.

I want to extend a general invitation to everyone and ask them to attend an Olympic Flame celebration in their community. The Flame will be travelling through Eastern Ontario on Dec 14th and communities located minutes from your home are looking for you to come out and show your support for our Canadian Athletes. Your presence will help make this celebration special, so come out and join us and come have some fun!

It's about the people / Pour vous les gens!

It’s about the people!

Carrying the torch is the official way of letting the everyday Canadian participate in the Olympic tradition.

Being a torchbearer allows for more than being a just a spectator, it alloys for full participation.

As the luckiest everyday Canadian, I want to represent more than my family and friends, I want to represent anyone who has ever loved a sport and who supports our Canadian Athletes.

Not every Canadian is cut out to be a gold medallist in an Olympic sport but everyone in this wonderful Nation is allowed representation. Within this beautiful tradition called Olympics, I am given this opportunity to represent fellow Canadians and I am proud and most grateful to be able to fulfill this role. So, come on December 14th and let us shine!!

Pour vous les gens!
Porteur du flambeau, une si belle tradition qui laisse à un individu la chance d’être perçue comme un ambassadeur pour les gens de notre nation. Ce rôle que j’entreprendrai le 14 décembre prochain, sera pour moi exaltant et me permettra aussi de rendre hommage à tous ceux et celles qui ont des sentiments pour la tradition du sport et qui encourage nos athlètes méritants. Sans plus tarder, faites nous vivre cette épopée!

My Olympic Torch Training

Here is a video of my secret training I am doing in preparation for my torch run.




And much to my surprise, I ran into my lovely wife during the run. Here is her perspective on the whole matter.



Isn't she great!

Here is link to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit's website.

Here are The Jewels folks!

So this picture is for all my skeptical friends who did not believe! See, I told you I was'nt dreeming.