Playing a role in Canadian sports history

New Glasgow's Vernon Walsh has parachuted thousands of feet out of a World War II-era plane in Cuba. He has flown around a track in a NASCAR car. But never has he had an experience that can compare with the one he'll have Nov. 17 when he'll carry the Olympic torch as it passes through Pictou County.
"It's an honour to get chosen for something that's that ancient," he said.
He says he feels privileged to be carrying on the tradition that dates back to the Roman days.
Walsh applied online for the opportunity after hearing about it on TV. The only requirement to apply is that you had to be a volunteer of some sort and giving back to the community.
Walsh has been a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, where his wife Margie Grant-Walsh is executive director. There he has mentored Jordan Cromwell for almost seven years.
"I think it's important for the kids that need a role model in their life, somebody to have fun with and take them out and play whatever," Walsh said.
Grant-Walsh also applied, but was not picked. You won't hear her complain too much about it though.
"No I'm not jealous," she said. "I'm excited. I'm glad for him."
As a torchbearer Walsh will be given a tracksuit to wear during his 300-metre stretch of the race. He's also able to pick up a few souvenirs not available to the general public.
"If you want to purchase the torch you can, so I did that," he said.
The cost: $350. For an extra $59 bucks he was able to order a stand to go with it.
It's expensive, but for an opportunity like this he couldn't pass it up, he says.
"It's a once in a life time thing," he said.
Walsh will be carrying the three and a quarter pound torch along Stellarton Road from Duff Street to St. Joseph Street.
"I'll probably run it," he says. "It's not a very long jaunt."
Walsh has always been a fan of the Olympic Games and is really looking forward to them coming to Vancouver, he said. He particularly enjoys watching the hockey and downhill skiing.
These Olympic Games will be all the more special to him knowing that he helped bring the fire to it.
"People should be proud and happy to have that torch come through here," he said. "What an honour."