NAME: Natalie Shantz

Hometown: Delta, British Columbia

Carrying torch: Burnaby
Torchbearer number: OTR105-109           

Torch Relay Segment: February 11^th, 2010

Age: 33                       

Torchbearer Story:

Natalie Shantz was eager to change her lifestyle. With a toddler and newborn, Shantz wondered if it would be. It was and easier than expected. She joined a weight loss program, which started a domino effect in her life.

Natalie Shantz has since trained for and completed her first 10 kilometre run. She continues to run and has bought an active video game console. Shantz also travels by foot or cycles with both kids in tow. They make regular trips to the pool and hike to picnic destinations. Shantz and her family also spontaneously dance.

Shantz friends and family have noticed her change in lifestyle. They, too, have changed their lifestyles, encouraged by hers. In fact, Shantz has directly inspired 11 adults to live actively with their families. Her friends have inspired others, as the domino effect continues beyond what Shantz can count.

Shantz is a proud Canadian, seeking new opportunities and ways to teach her children.  She considers being selected as a Coca-Cola Torchbearer as one of her life’s greatest achievements and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

NAME: Vicki Reese

Hometown: Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

Carrying torch: Coquitlam
Torchbearer number: OTR105-025           

Torch Relay Segment: February 11^th, 2010

Age: 49                         

Torchbearer Story:

Vicki Reese has inspired her grade two and three students at Central Community School to eat healthy and be active. Students have tried Reese’s healthy smoothies, even such ones with kale, spinach and fruit. Her students are curious about her meals and they play “Guess My Vegetable”. Reese’s students have also tried spaghetti squash with sauce, roti and fruit slurpees. Her students read labels on packaging and are aware of healthy choices. The kids know their food groups well and recognize the value of eating good food. Reese’s class is now known as the class that likes the school’s “Fruits and Veggies Program” the most. Reese’s students are always asking for seconds. They are truly the “food police” in Reese’s class. Students know that Reese cannot eat wheat, dairy, corn and peanut butter and are always quick to remind her about what she can and cannot have. Reese finds it very rewarding that her students have gained so much knowledge this year. Although it is only the beginning, Reese hopes her students’ awareness regarding healthy and active living will last a lifetime.

NAME: Derek Heidt

Hometown: Lions Bay, British Columbia

Carrying torch: Anmore
Torchbearer number: OTR105-005           

Torch Relay Segment: February 11^th, 2010

Age: 34                        

Torchbearer Story:

Derek Heidt is a former Olympian being on the first ever Canadian snowboarding halfpipe team at the 1998 Olympics in Japan.

Today, Heidt is working in the actions sports industry for Oakley, his sponsor for his professional snowboarding career and the Olympics. He is responsible for finding and sponsoring our countries best athletes and helping them achieve their goals, just as Oakley had once done for him.

Heidt began snowboarding in 1988 in Calgary after being inspired by the Olympics. Running in the torch relay is a dream come true.