Resident's daughter brings Olympic torch to Meadow Park Chatham
Seniors aglow with excitement following visit from torchbearer, says staff member
Thursday January 7, 2010 -- Natalie Hamilton
While Sue Birtch carried the torch through the streets of Chatham-Kent, her experience wasn't complete until she could share the Olympic spirit with her father who resides in a long-term care home.

One of 12,000 Canadian torchbearers for the Vancouver 2010 winter Olympics, the Blenheim resident recently paid her dad, Archie Munro, a visit at Meadow Park Chatham. Donning her Olympic jacket and carrying her torch, she stirred excitement amongst residents and staff, says Lydia Swant, co-ordinator of volunteers and resident and family services at the long-term care home.

Blenheim resident Sue Birtch, an Olympic torchbearer, visits her father and other residents at Meadow Park Chatham.

Birtch "was beaming with pride when she came into our long-term care home the day after her monumental experience," Swant says.

"Many staff and residents couldn’t help but stop and congratulate Sue and ask many questions about her experience. More than one person asked if they could hold the torch or pose for a picture with Sue."

Birtch carried the torch on Dec. 22, 2009. She was inspired to become a torchbearer about a year ago after seeing a RBC promotion while conducting her online banking. Birtch was selected as a result of her pledge to continue being an active volunteer in her community. She says it was a privilege to be involved.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the relay and the Olympic experience," Birtch says.

"You really try to relish the time you have with (the torch)." Wanting to share that excitement with her father, she visited Meadow Park Chatham and was surprised by the impact she had on other people as well. "It really does brighten them up," she says.

The long-term care home's activity department is hoping to run a variety of Olympic-themed programs once the 2010 Games begin, in addition to tuning into coverage on the big-screen television in the home's lounge. "The residents enjoy the excitement and it has become so much more meaningful since our visit from Sue," Swant adds.

Ontario supported Olympic Torch Relay celebrations in 62 communities across the province. The Olympic flame entered the province through Hawkesbury on December 11, 2009 and continued on its journey through to January 5 for a final flame at Iskatewizaagegan.

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