A world-class aerial skier and prominent rocker/local music teacher will carry the Pan American Games torch this summer.
Travis Gerrits and Derek McGowan have been named community torchbearers for when the Pan Am Games Torch Relay makes its way through town on June 23.
A seventh-place finisher in freestyle aerial skiing at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Gerrits just recently won his third consecutive national title in Val St.-Come Quebec.
When not hanging upside down on ski hills around the world, the 23-year-old has spoke at most elementary schools around town about the importance of balancing athletics and academics.
“It is a true honour to represent my hometown as a torchbearer,” said Gerrits, who had roughly 1,000 of his fellow Miltonians pack into Milton Sports Centre to watch him compete in Sochi. “I am so grateful for the community’s support and hope I can inspire other Miltonians by taking part in the relay.”
A talented musician and longtime Miltonian, Derek McGowan was recently recognized as Milton’s Favourite Music Teacher in the Champion’s Reader’s Choice Awards for his work with children’s music school Rock This Way.
After losing his best friend to cancer and seeing his brother struggle with the disease, McGowan has become a passionate advocate for cancer research and has started training for the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
He views the torch relay as an opportunity to showcase his community.
“It will bring even greater exposure to our wonderful town,” he said. “I think people will be impressed with our little gem along the escarpment.”
Presented by President’s Choice and the OLG, the Pan Am Games Torch Relay will run over 41 days and include 3,000 torchbearers covering an average distance of 200 metres.
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http://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/5531912-gerrits-mcgowan-named-milton-s-community-torchbearers-for-pan-am-games-torch-relay/