Wheelchairs are rolling in support of Shelburne’s Torch Run for Special Olympics

May 14, 2014 · 0 Comments

To think of the words vital, happy, resilient, tough, strong, relevant, is to think of our precious senior community in Shelburne. Shelburne residents, even in their 90’s continue to exhibit a social standard we can only hope to aspire to.

Now, many resigned to wheelchairs, the seniors find themselves in the situation of being able to relate to those with special requirements and needs and they will be participating in the upcoming Torch Run event in a supporting show of force, drive, determination and they come with a message, “We support the Special Olympics and we will show you exactly how it’s done!” Age, condition, wheel chairs, nothing can keep these seniors from doing what they have always done throughout their lives, be involved and supportive of their community.

Shelburne residents followed last year’s winter Olympics fanatically and when Constable Paul Neumann of the Shelburne Police Department and co-organizer for the Torch Run invited the Shelburne residents to attend the Torch Run for Special Olympics, seniors responded with a resounding, YES!

Any inquiries can be addressed to Constable Paul Neumann at 519 925-3312, email, pneumann@shelburnepolice.com or contact co-cordinator, Constable Andrew Fines at 519 925-3312, e-mail afines@shelburnepolice.com.

The Torch Run takes place on Thursday, May 22nd, starting at 10:30 a.m., rain or shine. (Note sign in time is 10 a.m.) Registration fee is only $25. The Run will begin at Fiddle Park, finishing up at No Frills where an award ceremony will take place followed by a free barbecue for all participants and volunteers.

Be on the lookout for Shelburne seniors from the Shelburne Residence, Retirement & Nursing Home on May 22nd. Perhaps 90 Really is the new 40!

By Alex Sher

Doris McBride, 87 reports having lived a wonderful life, and wants people to know, “Life is worth living, even in a wheel chair. It’s wonderful to support a good cause,” commented McBride. “Be happy, happy! Always look at the good side!”

Derek Orford, 84 and with his optimistic and humorous take on life, his reason for supporting the torch run is simple, “I like to do something for somebody.” Orford followed the Olympics, closely commenting, “Winning? It doesn’t really matter, whoever won was lucky!”

Phyllis Medwid, 91 spent five years as a Telegrapher in the army back in the day, was an entrepreneur, and long time resident of Shelburne. Still going strong, she will be looking forward to the Torch Run

Gladys Earle, 90, once enjoyed being very active in sports as a youngster playing field hockey and was a bowler. If she could run in support of the torch run, she would. How’s that for setting an example to follow?

Wayne Holley, 71 has been at the Residence for most of his life having become an important staple to the tight knit family living concept. He is greatly looking forward to participating in the Torch Run.