ST. LOUIS,
JUNE 21, 2004 - When Bobby Mortimer, junior
at Lafayette High School, received a package
from the United States Olympic Committee
he was confused, and his mother was ecstatic.
For a couple of months Yolanda Mortimer
had kept the secret that she had written
an essay that nominated her son to be an
Olympic torchbearer.
The essays were written about how the nominee
depicts what it means to unite the world
and overcome hardships. Mrs. Mortimer thinks
that is exactly what Bobby has done over
the years. "Bobby was born with a weakness
on his left side," said Mrs. Mortimer.
"That has not stopped him from anything
though." Bobby participates in soccer
and lacrosse at Lafayette High School. He
spends his summers working at Six Flags.
Bobby is involved in his church youth group
and has been on a mission trip to Mexico.
His involvement and willingness to succeed
are the types of qualities that Olympic
torchbearers have in common.
On June 17, 2004, Bobby joined other St.
Louisans to carry the torch. Bobby's run
took him and the torch along Brentwood Avenue,
under Interstate Highway 64.
"It was a great experience,"
said Bobby. "It was a little nerve
racking because you are the only person
holding it, so lots of people were watching."
Bobby had friends and relatives, youth
group members and neighbors cheering for
him as he became one of only 480 Americans
to carry the torch this year. The torch
will go to 33 cities around the world and
return to Greece on July 9, 2004. |
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