ORILLIA - Stephen Graham has had quite a year.
The 28-year-old Orillian picked up two gold medals and one silver for speed skating while representing Canada at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho in February.
This summer he qualified to compete at the national level in the Summer Games in London, and last week received the male athlete award for Special Olympics Ontario.
“It’s been great times,” he said.
And now this.
Graham has been chosen to participate in the 2010 Olympic torch relay when it arrives in Gravenhurst on Dec. 30.
“I’ve known for about a month and a half,” Graham said this week. “I’ve only told family and friends. I was very proud and very honored too. Not everybody gets a chance like this.”
The majority of relay spots were awarded through online contests organized by the corporate sponsors.
RBC held a small number for distribution to special causes it supports, with four spots going to Special Olympians.
Graham was among them.
“I’m just going to enjoy the moment,” he said. “I’ve never had an experience like this before.
Graham played hockey as a youngster, but became involved with Special Olympics in 1997, when his family moved to Orillia from Lindsay.
Taking part in the World Winter Games in Idaho earlier this year was an incomparable experience, he said.
“That was amazing,” he added. “I was totally speechless. I’ve never felt more happier or proud to be there. It was just unbelievable.”
Graham will carry the torch starting at 11:36 a.m. along Muskoka Road North from Trinity United Church to Elder Street.
His parents will be watching
“I am proud to be a Special Olympian, and to be able to carry the torch for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver is a great honour,” he said.
And when it’s all over?
“I get the opportunity to buy a torch,” he added. “I am going to buy one.”
No Orillians have been named to participate in the local leg of the torch run when the flame arrives in the Sunshine City.
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Orillia resident Stephen Graham has been chosen to take part in the Olympic torch relay when it arrives in Gravenhurst on Dec. 30.
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