Phil Pritchard…

Earlier this week, I was talking on Twitter with Elle B, and the topic of me being a Olympic Torch Bearer came up.

I said “My attitude is that I’m just taking care of the Olympic Torch, and sharing it with as many people as I can !”

Later that night, I thought about the joy that good fortune had bestowed upon me… and the next day, I met it, in person.

I started the day, wandering downtown, anxious to partake and absorb as much of the Olympic Spirit, as I possibly could.

Wandered through the Post office, the Aboriginal Crafts Display, the Power Smart Exhibit, and headed for Canada House.  It had been a destination on a previous expedition, but, due to time constraints, one I had not been able to get through.

It was raining softly, but the crowd was happy, and moving quite quickly.

 

Say what you will, about Canada House… It has a bunch of fun video games for kids to play while waiting in line… several HONKING big TV screens, broadcasting the TV coverage… a photo opportunity with a bob sled… examples of how sports equipment has evolved over the years… and several Hockey Jerseys of famous Canadians, Richard and Gretzky…
And Phil Pritchard was there !!!
There are those of you who will say… “Who ???”
And some may say, “Who cares…”
I believe he has the best job in the world, and most people in Canada don’t know his name !!!   

But on Tuesday, I got my picture taken with him.

As always, he was standing off to one side… humbly out of the spotlight.
 
As is his nature, he doesn’t hover, but blends into the background… and I had to seek him out, to ask to take a picture with him.
 
A nearby security guard was kind enough to play photographer for my photo opportunity.
 
He is the one I thought of, when I wrote the words… “My attitude is that I’m just taking care of it… and sharing it with as many people as I can !”
 
I have in my possession 1 of 12,000 Olympic Torches… but I’m just a guy taking care of it, and sharing it with as many people as I can.

Oh, and Phil Pritchard ?  He’s the guy taking care of the Stanley Cup, and sharing it with as many people as he can.

On Tuesday, he shared it with me… and it was AWESOME !!!