NAME: JoAnn Francis

Hometown: Williams Lake, British Columbia

Carrying Torch: Fraser Lake
Torchbearer number: OTR093-027           

Torch Relay Segment: January 30^th, 2010

Age: 27

Torchbearer Story:

JoAnn Francis believes she is an average Canadian, making a difference. The Earth’s overall health is the sum of the daily actions of all its inhabitants. By reducing her impact and motivating those around her to do their part, Francis believes, together, we can help the environment.

Francis is doing her part. To reduce her power consumption, Francis installed compact fluorescent bulbs and ensures all lights and appliances are turned off when not in use. To reduce her fossil fuel consumption, Francis uses a programmable thermostat and walks rather than drive. To reduce her household waste, Francis uses reusable shopping bags, recyclable packaging and takes unwanted items to the local share shed so other people can make use of these items. To reduce her water use, Francis has installed low flow shower heads and uses an outdoor watering timer to reduce water consumption.

Francis knows everything she does impacts the environment and she educates everyone she can on how they can make a difference by making small changes in their lives. She believes that when people see how easy these changes are they are usually more willing to make these small changes. Furthermore, she believes it is not only the extraordinary contributions of a few individuals, but the everyday actions of ordinary people, which has the greatest impact on the environment.

NAME: Nicholas Krizmanich

Hometown: Prince George, British Columbia

Carrying Torch: Stellat’en
Torchbearer number: OTR093-032           

Torch Relay Segment: January 30^th, 2010

Age: 24

Torchbearer Story:

When Nicholas Krizmanich was looking for a place to live, he had a choice between renting a unit involving a long commute by car, or renting a more expensive unit that was closer to school. Having moved from a city where cars ruled the road, the idea of travel by bicycle made Nicholas a little apprehensive. However, since he was moving to Vancouver, he felt inspired by the ideas surrounding the Olympics, and decided that moving would be a great catalyst to try something new.

He chose the closer location, pumped up his bike tires, took a few deep breaths, and away he went. Six weeks into his new home and new routine, he feels more awake and energetic than he ever has before. Navigation by bike, which was daunting at first, is now almost second nature. His commute by bike takes much less time than he thought it would and it is great exercise!

NAME: Derrick Williams

Hometown: Prince George, British Columbia

Carrying Torch: Nak’azdli

Torchbearer number: OTR093-016           

Torch Relay Segment: January 30^th, 2010

Age: 25

Torchbearer Story:

As an athlete, coach and medical student, Derrick Williams has a unique opportunity to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles through sport and health care. Although life as a medical student is demanding and challenging, scheduling time to exercise and eat healthy remains a priority for Derrick. To live by example, he participates in activities such as volleyball, slo-pitch, snowboarding, and running. Derrick sometimes finds it difficult to improve his diet. He focuses on reducing intake of convenience foods, picking healthy options when available, and balancing his diet appropriately.

Derrick has also coached volleyball to youth aged 10-18 over the past several years in his community. He tries to take the knowledge he has gained through medical school and use it to educate youth about how to live a healthy, active lifestyle.

NAME: Andrew Gregory 

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

Carrying Torch: Houston
Torchbearer number: OTR093-046           

Torch Relay Segment: January 30^th, 2010

Age: 41

Torchbearer Story:

Andrew Gregory is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October of 2005.  He went through surgery and chemotherapy at the BC Cancer Agency, which saved my life. Andrew feels blessed to have survived, and says he owes a great debt to the cancer community for having saved his life. 

A triathlete, hockey player and middle distance runner before cancer, in 2007, Andrew signed up for the Tour of Courage as a way to recuperate after chemotherapy.  He rode 90 km and raised over $8,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation.  In 2008, he was top fundraiser for the Westside Cycling Classic. Andrew and his wife were awarded a trip to cycle along with the Tour de France.  This year, Andrew personally raised over $13,000 and captained a team of 25 riders, who together raised over $90,000 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer.