Coca-Cola Torchbearers – January 4th

Name: Anne Renaud

Hometown: Fort Frances, ON

Carrying torch in: Vermilion Bay

Torchbearer #: OTR067-044

Anne Renaud is proud to be a runner. She has been overweight most of her adult life, but after the birth of her second daughter she started running and she has been running ever since. However, it has not been without barriers and hurdles. Yet, Renaud puts it in perspective, “the Olympics would not be the Olympics without the 200 metre hurdles and neither is life.”

Renaud and her sister Kristine have been training together despite their geographical distance. Her sister lives in Lethbridge, Alberta and Renaud lives in northwestern Ontario. They challenge each other through emails, phone calls and the Internet. They will also be running a half-marathon together in the next year. Despite the distance and their busy lifestyles, they have creatively managed to share an active lifestyle together.

Renaud’s road to fitness is still in its infancy. Although she may not look like a runner, Renaud knows in her heart that she is one. She continues to inspire others who are overweight and struggling. She also wants her children’s future to include fun daily activities that make them feel positive about themselves, inside and out.

The Olympic Games have been an inspiration for Renaud since childhood. The opportunity to become a Coca-Cola Torchbearer is the pinnacle of her life as a runner.

Name: Katharine Lough

Hometown: Kenora, ON

Carrying torch in: Kenora

Torchbearer #: OTR067-049

Katharine Lough and her husband have always lived active lives. Now, in their late fifties, after having moved many times, they decided it was time to ’settle down’. They chose the Lake of the Woods near Kenora, Ontario to build their home. They were attracted by its natural, unspoiled beauty and felt it would inspire them to remain active.

 

Lough and her husband have not been disappointed. From their doorstep, they take long walks and explore the bays of their lake by kayak. They cross-country ski and took great pleasure this past winter when they were able to go further, in less time, than the year before. The bird book is always nearby to identify the many birds that visit them, the animal guide is close to identify their various tracks and the wildflower book is handy, as Lough delights in what comes up after a particularly harsh winter.

Lough is neither a competitive athlete nor does she participate in any structured sport, but she has chosen a lifestyle that allows her to keep fit and stay active. Whether she has influenced anyone by her lifestyle, she does not know. She does know her children enjoy visiting and when they at her home, the children swim, hike, use the kayaks and return in the winter to snowshoe and cross-country ski. Lough hopes one day she will be able to share her newfound lifestyle with her grandchildren.

Name: Nicole Labelle                      

Hometown: Thunder Bay   

Carrying Torch in: Thunder Bay

Torchbearer number:

Nicole Labelle created her earth friendly hair salon five months ago. She was extremely focused and had a vision and followed through with it. She recycles hair for a non-profit organization and performs services with no ammonia, organic ingredients and fewer toxins.

Labelle’s salon contains no sulphates, parabens, plastics, animal by-products or testing. She uses many tropical plants to purify the air. She uses all energy efficient appliances and electronics.

Labelle now has over 400 clients who support her earth friendly salon. Her passion and hard work have influenced family, friends and colleagues to make change.

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