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More Community Events: GamesTown2010 Celebration and Olympian Visit

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Princeton, BC
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A visit from Olympic gold medallist ActNow BC Athlete Ambassadors, Ashleigh McIvor and Denny Morrison, highlighted the Town of Princeton’s celebration to announce four new healthy living projects funded through its $100,000 grand prize win in the GamesTown 2010 contest (News Release) (Event Photos).

McIvor and Morrison spent the early part of the day visiting local schools and were later on hand for the unveiling of the GamesTown2010 plaque. Princeton’s prize money will be allocated to four newly announced projects, including: a bike skills park; improvements to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail and Bridge of Dreams; new playground equipment at Rotary Park; and outdoor basketball court enhancements.

Denny's Princeton Recap

I love driving but haven’t had a chance to do much post 2010, as I’ve been busy with engagements all over the world. For me the drive to Princeton was one of the highlights, as I got to see this beautiful province from one of my favourite viewpoints: the driver’s seat!

Once in Princeton the visits to the schools and the GamesTown2010 plaque unveiling event really showed us the spirit and energy that abounds in Princeton. No wonder they won the GamesTown 2010 gold medal prize!

I also love to mountain bike, and the China Ridge trails that we rode with the students were incredible. Although I would have loved to climb the mountain as well we were in a bit of a rush to attend the Princeton Posse fundraiser, so I suppose the shuttle ride to the top was acceptable this time :-). I can’t wait to go back to Princeton and ride more of the trails! Thanks to Princeton for being great hosts and I hope to see you soon!

Watch footage of our ride from my point of view!

Ashleigh's Princeton Recap

Denny and I had a great time visiting Princeton. The town is full of sports enthusiasts and they really have that small town, friendly attitude dialled in. The kids at the schools we spoke at were so awesome. They had made posters and banners for us during the Games and they all seemed to be genuinely excited about having us there. We stopped in at all three schools, met mayor Randy McLean in the town center, and checked out the Bridge of Dreams, which connects the bike/walking trail system with the town. Then it was time to go shred...

We were fortunate enough to be invited for a DH lap with the mountain bike club. Duncan Mackenzie, a Whistler guy who actually rescued me when I wrecked my shoulder in the bike park years ago, had just completed some amazing downhill bike trails, and the kids who took us out were fast! Denny and I could hardly hang with the two fastest guys. The trail we did was super flowy, with banked turns and loamy ground. It was so much fun! When we got to the bottom, we decided that the people who were are the back of the pack would probably be far enough behind to allow us enough time to ride the Kettle Valley Railway bike trail back to town. Wow, was that ever beautiful! We rode on the flat, double-track where the railway used to run, over trestles, and through tunnels, along the beautiful river with the late sun poking through the rain clouds here and there.

Next we were off to a fundraiser for the town hockey team at a lovely theatre with a group of lovely people. Denny and I both gave little presentations on stage and, being the casual atmosphere that it was, both turned out to be more like discussion periods, which I love. All in all, it was really great to see what Princeton is all about, and even greater to see how much of the community shares a love of sport and physical activity.

ActNow BC Senior Manager, Trish Fougner, accompanied the athletes through their tour of Princeton. Here’s Trish’s event recap:

The Princeton event was amazing! Princeton is a great model for a community with a healthy focus and tons of community spirit. Their enthusiasm comes from all over, and especially from Mayor Randy McLean who is passionate about making Princeton residents healthier.

ActNow BC athlete ambassadors, Ashleigh McIvor and Denny Morrison, were exemplary models in extending the message of physical activity and sport, reaching Princeton residents of all ages. One father had tears in his eyes as Denny placed his gold medal around his daughter’s neck. An entire school of kids lined the schoolyard fence to wave goodbye to Ashleigh and Denny.

In the afternoon, we hit the trails at China Ridge for a scenic mountain bike ride. Ashleigh and Denny had the opportunity to bike with kids from the local high school bike club. I followed along as they all bombed down the hill – a thrilling experience for all who took part.

Princeton is a small town with a big heart and worth an extended visit. This is a town you want to see, where you’ll be sure to make new friends. The whole community of Princeton was very grateful to ActNow BC for providing the opportunity to share their healthy living stories, and win the title of GamesTown2010.

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