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SIAST played a major role with Olympic torch celebrations in Saskatchewan.

As the torch made its way to Regina, nursing instructor Aida Brenneman carried it through Melville, as people cheered and shouted, “Go Canada.”

“I was overwhelmed with the Olympic spirit,” said Aida. “I felt proud to be part of this moment which meant so much to the residents of this community. I will cherish these memories which have been captured in my heart.”

In Saskatoon, the torch ran by SIAST Kelsey Campus where it was greeted by Kelsey staff and students, along with over 200 students from Mayfair School, Caswell Community School, and St. Michael’s School that came to help cheer it on.

“Everyone was very excited and had a wonderful time,” said Carol Loney, from student recruitment. 

As people waited for the torch, they were able to enjoy free hot chocolate provided by Kelsey cafeteria, served by volunteers.  People could also sign a banner, made by Sharon Afseth, from the cafeteria, that was sent to the Olympic athletes in Vancouver.

Many of the children had their picture taken in front of an Inukshuk, which was built by SIAST Refrigeration and Air Conditioning faculty and students. 

In the sheet metal shop, before the torch run, special ice trays were made by Lynn Cross for each brick of the Inukshuk.

The water was mixed with food colouring before the bricks were frozen. 

It took two days to freeze some of the larger blocks, which weighed over 200 pounds.

It took a lot of planning, said Don Duchscher, a refrigeration instructor.

At first no one was convinced the Inukshuk could be built.

“We were apprehensive,” said Don after being asked to take on the project by Carol.

It looked great, said Carol about the Inukshuk, which was over six feet tall.   

Don said his students enjoyed the chance to get out of the classroom and work on the project. 

Forty-five students from Kelsey’s Recreation & Tourism Management program helped out with celebrations in Kiwanis Park.

Students helped with security, setting up the stage and handing out food and beverages.  They also assisted with organizing the performers, working the volunteer check-in centre and the cleaning up when it was all over.  

Two of the students learned how to snow sculpt.

“Our students learned community development, leadership, event planning, program planning, food safety, customer service, event management and cultural diversity,” said instructor Noreen Murphy, who represented the organizing committee for the torch celebrations in Saskatoon.

After the event, Noreen received a special note from the Olympic office in Vancouver.

“Everything was perfect,” said the note, written by Jacynthe Simard, Torch Relay Marketing Coordinator. “Saskatoon truly demonstrated Olympic Spirit.”

Before the torch was sent off in Prince Albert, Woodland hosted a pancake breakfast for the public.

The cafeteria was packed, with people lined up outside the door, as Lisa Davis, from Campus Recreation Services, thanked everyone for coming out to the breakfast and to cheer her on as she carried the torch as it left the city.

Outside the campus, Lisa was all smiles as she waited for her torch to be lit.

“I’m so excited to be doing this where I live and work,” she told the crowd that had gathered to watch her run.  “I feel so important.”

From Prince Albert, the torch went up to a little town called Hafford where Bonnie Bond, from the Virtual Campus at the SIAST Administrative Offices, ran with the torch.

“I felt like a movie star,” said Bonnie.  “It was almost overwhelming when my torch was lit. I tried really hard to sing O Canada but my throat was really tight with emotions. I’ve never felt prouder to be a Canadian.”

Bonnie said she was lucky to share the event with family, especially her 84-year-old mother, who was one of 20 veterans to carry the torch.  Bonnie’s mom carried the torch in Maidstone later that same day.

Story written by Kelly-Anne Riess, mySIAST editor