Ron Woodward has enjoyed many memorable moments in his career as an educator and community builder but none will touch the magnificence of making the final run Friday in the journey of the Vancouver Olympic flame through Red Deer, he said.

Woodward’s role in the Olympic torch run was a best kept secret.

However, many people in the crowd said his choice was appropriate for the all the work he’s done in 11 years as the recently retired president of the Red Deer College.

“I’m just an old retired guy,” he said.

“It was the experience of a lifetime and I think that goes without saying I’m still very emotional,” he said a few minutes after leaving the main stage at the Westerner Grounds.

He said a highlight was watching the eyes of all the kids viewing the torch.

“They were just focused on it,” said Woodward who rode in on a haywagon.

He said a yearly highlight for him was the yearly college convocation.

“This was as least as good and far more moving than that,” he said.

“I’ll never forget this day as long as I live,” he added.

Woodward said he was most surprised when the torch run committee approached him to perform the last leg in Red Deer.

“I said you’ve got to be kidding. Why would you pick me. I was very humbled.”

He said the celebration is about the community and not him.

“There’s only a few people here who know me. It’s about our community.

“This is a very special community, in a special province in the best country in the world,” he added.

Diedra Dionne, who carried the torch on its second leg from the college, said the flame is really about the kids and the spirit they represent.

Dionne competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City winning a bronze medal in freestyle aerials skiing but was forced to retire last year due to an injury.

“What was exciting for me being a former athlete was listening to two high school kids on the shuttle bus.

“They were so excited and nervous. For me it was like their Olympics,” Dionne said.

She said the adult torch carriers were also nervous and shaking with excitement at times.

She said the Olympic flame was always a symbol to get the nerves fired up in anticipation of her competition.

“Seeing those people caught up like that was exciting.”

Niek Theelen, a 17-year-old Grade 11 Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School student, bravely negotiated his section of the run with a cane.

“I’m so honoured and excited to get this chance.

“It was truly amazing and something I’ll always remember,” said during a break from posing for numerous pictures.

Barb Armbrust of Edmonton was another former Olympian selected to run a leg in Red Deer.

A silver medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics in women’s rowing coxed fours, Armbrust said the Olympic Games are always a special time and just being a part of the 2010 torch run was again special.

“As an athlete you compete and it’s one thing but being a part of this with all these other fine people is special too because you can see their enthusiasm and the pride in their country and community,” she said.

jwilson@reddeeradvocate.com