Olympic tourchbearers selected from Cace Valley
Someone who “embodies the Olympic spirit by inspiring them or their community” was the requirement set forth by SLOC, Coca-Cola and Chevrolet to find the most inspirational people in the United States to carry the Olympic flame. Becky Landa, who is a non-traditional student studying elementary education, was nominated to carry the Olympic torch by her sister and mother. Both women wrote letters to SLOC stating the reasons they thought Landa is someone who “embodies the Olympic spirit by inspiring them or their community.” SLOC received more than 210,000 essays. Community task forces from around the country read the nominations and selected 7,200 torch bearers. Eighteen torch bearers will be representing Cache Valley. Two of these torchbearers now attend USU, said Tammy Firth, administrative secretary for Logan Parks and Recreation. Logan Parks and Recreation has been involved with planning the route the torch bearers will be following as they go through Logan on Feb. 6. The path has not yet been released for security reasons, Firth said. Barry Beutler, a senior majoring in premed biology, was also nominated by his mother. She wrote about Beutler’s involvement in extracurricular activities like Operation Smile and Special Olympics. Beutler said he is really humbled by the honor. “There’s probably a lot of people that deserve it more,” he said. Jennie DeFriez, a teacher in Tremonton, was nominated by her husband. DeFriez didn’t discover it was her husband who had nominated her for quite some time.DeFriez’ husband nominated her because of the extra time and hours she spends with her students. DeFriez said she was surprised by her selection, and it doesn’t seem like it will really happen. “It’s kind of surreal,” she said. “It hasn’t hit me yet, it’s a neat honor.” All three torch bearers said they are excited about the opportunity. In addition, 15 other residents of Logan have been selected. Landa said she told her three children about it when she was notified through the mail. “They tell everyone,” she said. On Nov. 19 the Olympic torch’s flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece and travel to Atlanta, Ga. After arriving in Atlanta it will be carried on a 65-day journey through 46 states. The torch will pass through Logan before making its way to Salt Lake City for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002.