It was hard not to be proud of the community spirit in Grand Falls-Windsor this past weekend.

We all knew the Olympic flame was coming through town.

Some of us were lucky enough to have experienced the torch run in 1988 when the Games were held in Calgary. For most, though, this past weekend was a once in a lifetime experience.

The events of the weekend were kicked off by the Sparkling Blades Figure Skating Club, who once again brought down the house with their dedication, talent, skill and love of sport.

Together with special guests Vaughn Chipeur, Matthew and Alex Young, the Celtic Spirit Dancers and the Lesley Oake School of Dance, the young skaters brought the audience in attendance alternately from laughter to tears and back again.

The following night, those citizens of Grand Falls-Windsor who weren't there to see the return of the Wonderful Grand Band at the Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts were waiting for the flame.

The nearly 3,000 people at Centennial Field experienced an event they will, in all likelihood, never forget.

The Olympic Games, of course, are a worldwide event, but Saturday night they were all about central Newfoundland.

For the communities in this region it has been a hard year.

The fallout from the closure of the AbitibiBowater mill has probably not fully come to light, but in some way, either directly or indirectly, if has had some effect on us all.

On Saturday night, though, we were reminded of how lucky we are to be Canadians, Newfoundlanders and neighbours.

There probably is not another person more deserving of carrying the Olympic torch into Centennial Field and lighting the ceremonial community flame than Tony Kyritsis.

Mr. Kyritsis is certainly a proud ambassador for central Newfoundland, having competing regionally, nationally and internationally in the Special Olympics.

Every time he trains or competes, he gives all he has got. Even at a photo shoot for this newspaper three years ago, he insisted on running towards the camera on snowshoes several times so the photographer could get just the right shot.

Not only is he a fierce competitor, he does it with a constant smile.

Mr. Kyritsis is a perfect example of what perseverance and a positive outlook can achieve. He is classy, mannerly and a perfect gentleman whether he wins or loses. And he has battled significant challenges to get where he is today.

He should be an example to each of us individually and for our community as a whole.

So, anyone would have been hard pressed not to be proud on Saturday night when the flame was lit.

Sunday morning brought many other stories of torchbearers who carried the flame in spite of their own challenges, including one whose mother passed away just hours before.

Each of those stories can remind us that we can - and will - overcome the troubles our community currently finds itself having. All we need is a positive outlook, a good work ethic, a will to succeed and a little pride in ourselves and our neighbours.

David Newell