Sutherland’s Olympic torchbearers gear up
SUTHERLAND’S two Olympic torch bearers are looking forward to taking part in their little bit of history over the next few days.
Paralympic swimming hopeful Hope Gordon (17) of Rogart will be receiving the torch tomorrow (Saturday) at 6.30pm at Aldi’s in Inverness, carrying it across the bridge into Chapel Street.
Hope, who suffers from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is going to be pushed by Graham McCarthy, ex Golspie primary school teacher who was her first club coach and who still has sessions with her when he can manage — she says she would not be where she is without him.
Part of her nomination read: "Hope desperately wants to raise awareness of RSD and other chronic pain disorder and wants to let other sufferers know that RSD does not have to be an end just a different beginning.
"Never has Hope said ‘why me’ or ‘this is not fair’, instead she smiles and helps and encourages everyone she meets. Hope is an inspiration to everyone she meets, from the young swimmers she helps and encourages every day up to the teachers and coaches she always has a smile for and her proud family."
Cyclist Iain Paton, also 17 and from Golspie, will be carrying the torch on Monday at 10.45am from Annfield Road in Inverness and into Darnaway Road.
His nomination reads: "Iain, who has been accepted onto the British Cycling Olympic Talent Team (youth), was selected because of his commitment and dedication to his sport of cycling and inspiring his peers through the coaching he carries out in his community.
"Iain is an athlete on the Bank of Scotland Local Heroes programme."
He told the NT yesterday: "I am really very excited about it. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.