Centre Wellington resident Andy Speers will participate in the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay in Stratford on June 18.
The torch relay is a 41-day journey that travels through more than 130 communities, using 5,000 kilometers of road and 3,000 torchbearers.
After the flame was lit in a traditional ceremony in Mexico, the torch travelled north to Canada and started its route on May 30.
Speers is an active member of Centre Wellington with a dedication to children; first as a teacher in the Upper Grand District School Board, and second as co-founder of the organization Power of Play with his wife Jackie.
The Power of Play was instrumental in successfully spearheading the installation of the township’s first fully accessible, barrier-free playground in Fergus in 2013. Since then three more additional playgrounds have been built under the same accessible and inclusive standards.
“Andy has had such a positive impact on our community by spearheading the campaigns to build our new accessible playgrounds,” said Mayor Kelly Linton.
“He was the first person that came to my mind when I was asked to select a torch bearer to represent Centre Wellington.”
Speers said, “I am truly honored to carry the Pan Am Games torch on behalf of Centre Wellington. Our family would love to take this opportunity to thank our amazing community, family, and friends for all their love and support over the past few years. The accessible playgrounds would not have happened if it wasn’t for all of you. I am hoping to run the torch with my amazing wife, Jackie and our incredible children, Adaline and Asher. It will be a very special moment for our family. Thanks again for this amazing opportunity.”
The township commends Speers for his dedication to our community and is delighted that he is being recognized at this level for his efforts in making Centre Wellington an active and inclusive place to play for all.
