Ms. Apps, a member of the gold-medal winning Canadian women's hockey team at the 2006 games in Torino said the torch run for the Special Olympics was also a thrilling experience.
"Events like this are so important to show the community's support," Ms. Apps said.
"It's just such a great cause and it's great to be a part of."
On May 1 the torch for the Special Olympics came through the downtown and made a stop at the central branch of the Royal Bank of Canada. A crowd of athletes donning medals from past games paid tribute to torch bearers as they made their way down Brock Street. The athletes were led by a duo of bag-pipe players and police officers on motorcycles.
Brother-sister duo Mark and Stephanie Barrett, both Special Olympians, passed the flame to Ms. Apps and a representative from the Royal Bank of Canada on Brock Street.
Melissa Shaw was also among the athletes present. Ms. Shaw is no stranger to the Special Olympics. She has won five medals for various sports including basketball. This year she will be the torchbearer for the opening ceremony of the games. She displayed her hardware proudly and said she was "so excited" when she found out she would be the representative with the flame.
The day was about more than passing the flame.
"We're doing more than just lighting a torch today," said Royal Bank representative Lorraine Dolan. "Together we are working to carry on the themes the Special Olympics stand for: hope, strength and courage."
Ms. Dolan announced two new initiatives once the torch was received. The event marked the official start of the Royal Bank's Special Olympics Torch Relay. The Royal Bank torch will travel to branches in Durham to raise awareness of the Ontario Special Olympic Spring Games.
The bank will also be fundraising through "Toonies for Torches." Branches will be selling paper torches for $2. Each torch purchased will be displayed in branches until the start of the games. All proceeds will be given to Special Olympics Ontario. The Special Olympics take place at various Durham venues from May 29-31. For more information go to specialolympics2008.ca.
