Carrying torch fulfills a dream
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
BUENA VISTA, Va. — As a child living in England, Paul Wright would race his friends up and down the hills pretending to compete in the Olympics. Over the years, injuries and knee surgeries prevented him from making the British Olympic team.
But his contributions to humanity earned him an opportunity to carry the Olympic torch through Charleston, Va., on Dec. 19 on its way to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
Prior to assuming his position as professor and cross country coach at Southern Virginia University in Buena Vista, Va., in September 2001, Brother Wright established the Leukemia Society of Utah while still a graduate student at the University of Utah where he raised thousands of dollars for research. For a time, the front room of his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, served as headquarters.
"While growing up, I lost my best friend to this disease," he said, "and during my years of working with youth programs I have seen the disease impact a large number of youngsters and their families."
In addition to the Leukemia Society, Brother Wright has served as youth coach and coordinator of after-school programs for inner city youth.
"Being nominated to carry the Olympic torch is a special honor and one that I will treasure always. To me, the Olympic flame represents courage, determination, perseverance and the inestimable fulfillment of a childhood dream," he said.
Church News readers are encouraged to submit information about members of the Church who participate as torch bearers.
E-mail: shaun@desnews.com
