Nelsonites brave wet weather for 38th Terry Fox Run
By Nelson Daily Staff
Not even wet weather can dampen the spirits on Terry’s Day.
More than 200 runners, cyclists, walkers and families made the trek to Rotary Lakeside Park Sunday morning to participate in the 38th annual Terry Fox Run.
“The hard work of the volunteer Kootenay Rhythm Dragon paddlers, the inspiration provided by Sheila Hart, the kind and generous support of the Nelson Leafs and the enthusiasm shown by the participants from the Nelson community, resulted (at this point) in donations to the Terry Fox Foundation today of $14,480,” said Pat Gibson, one of the many organizers from the Kootenay Rhythm Dragons.
Many of the Kootenay Rhythm Dragons, realizing the importance doing their part to commit time to organizing the run, returned home Saturday following a silver medal performance the BC Seniors Games in Kimberley/Cranbrook.
The medal was the second in as many years at the BC Seniors Games as the Kootenay Rhythm Dragons also won silver at the 2017 Games in Vernon.
Participants, including members of the Nelson Leafs Hockey Club and Pacific Insight Electronics — the latter raising more than $2,000 as a team — began arriving early to register before Gibson called everyone in for the opening ceremonies.
Gibson thanked the many volunteers before introducing Sheila Hart, who gave a moving speech about the importance of the Terry Fox Run through the eyes of someone affected by cancer.
Nelson Mayor Deb Kozak also spoke to encourage and support participants.
Puleng Pratt of the Kootenay Rhythm Dragons then led participants through a warm-up.
Then it was time for two-year-old Hailey Hauck to conduct the official start for the one, two, five-or 10-kilometre event as Nelsonites joined Canadians from coast to coast to raise money to ensure that cancer research continues to make a difference.
Nelson has held a Terry Fox Run for 34 of the 38 years, raising more than $173,890 over the three decades.
Puleng Pratt of the Kootenay Rhythm Dragons then led participants through a warm-up.
Fresh from winning a pair of weekend Kootenay International Junior Hockey League games, Nelson Leafs players helped with the Terry Fox Run.
Once registered, participants had a chance to sign Terry's poster.
