Alex Bain                  

Hometown: Oyster Bed Bridge     

Carrying Torch: Winsloe

Alex Bain is autistic, he runs for autism awareness, acceptance and inclusion. Bain has always been active and particularly interested in running. He joined the track and field and cross country teams at school and the RoadRunners Club in P.E.I. He trains through the week, year round, alone and with a group.

Bain has won many awards for his participation in running: rookie of the year in 2004, inspirational runner of the year in 2005 and the Bluefield High School cross country award of distinction in 2005.

In 2006, Bain ran a half marathon a day all across P.E.I. on the Autistic Celebration Run to raise awareness and train law enforcement and first responders in autism recognition and response. Bain has begun mentoring an autistic student with running and typing. He reports his runs on his blog; Runman. Bain carries the torch to celebrate active and diverse Canadians.

Wensel Harris                       

Hometown: Chelton

Carrying Torch: Hunter River

Wensel Harris and his family are committed to making simple everyday choices to improve the environment. Since they live in the country, they use four cylinder cars for improved fuel economy. They also use reusable bags and buy local products. Additionally, Harris’ family saves electricity but using CFL bulbs, low flow shower heads and hanging clothes to dry. By taking these measures they are not only helping the environment, but also saving money. Harris wants to show all Canadians that everyone can make a difference in keeping our environment clean.

Douglas Gillespie                

Hometown: Cornwall          

Carrying Torch: New Glasgow

Douglas Gillespie was the mayor of Clyde River in 2006 and one of his proudest moments was leading the community in creating Muchison Park. This park was formerly neglected land located in the middle of the community. Working with dedicated volunteers, Gillespie worked to create a park that would fulfill the recreational needs of the community. They built a playground, a walking path, a gazebo and used birdhouses made by local high school students.

Muchison Park is an enjoyed venue for outside activities and environmental enjoyment for area residents.  Harris was honoured to lead the community in improving their little part of Canada and now to be a leader once again in carrying the Olympic flame.

Trish Thorpe             

Hometown: North Milton    

Carrying Torch: Rusticoville

Trish Thorpe developed high cholesterol and blood pressure 13 years ago. She decided right away to become active and joined the gym. By 2003, she took the challenge to run in the Team Diabetes marathon. She challenged her husband to start exercising as well. Thorpe completed the Rome marathon days before her 58^th birthday. After finishing the run she wrote a short story which encourages people to get active and even run marathons. Thorpe wants to educate people that being active is a simple way to live longer, healthier lives.

Kaci Holmes             

Hometown: Kensington      

Carrying Torch: Margate

Kaci Holmes is 14 years old and actively involved with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets of Kensington. She stays active by being involved in volleyball and rugby at school and participating in biathlon with the Cadet program. Holmes is trying to reach the gold fitness level with Cadets. Holmes is also very involved in keeping her community clean by volunteering for clean up days. Holmes feels proud to be part of the journey of the torch; linking everyday Canadians to the pride and passion of Olympic athletes.

Robbie Burt              

Hometown: Summerside    

Carrying Torch: Summerside

Robbie Burt is 35 years old and a member of the Blind Guys Tri Team. This team is made up of 20 blind and visually impaired athletes who competed in the Joes Team Triathlon in Muskoka, Ontario. The team raises money to conquer cancer and raise awareness for blind and visually impaired athletes. Burt’s team also participated in the Ride to Conquer Caner on a tandem bike.

Burt’s goal is to someday compete in the Paralympics as a triathlete. He has learned that as long as you try, any barrier can be overcome. He believes that he does not need eyes to see as long as he believes in his abilities, his heart will never steer him in the wrong direction.

Glenn Suart              

Hometown: Calgary

Carrying Torch: Summerside

Glenn Suart has inspired 30 friends to lead an active living lifestyle. About eight years ago, while seeing other out of shape dads at hockey practice, Suart and the other dads decided to rent out a gym and begin playing ball hockey.

Today, the men still get together every Monday night to play, which has increased their active living and helped them all get into better shape. Recently, they entered their first tournament and impressed all the younger players with their energy and attitude. Suart believes that organizing the league is one of the best things he has ever done.