Exclusive interview with Alwyn Morris: Olympic Torch Run
Alwyn, Becky and Chuck
I could not believe it when my friend who works at MMGG, the Kahnawake based US-facing Bodog brand licensee, skyped me and said, “Alywn brought the Olympic torch into the office today and I took a photo with it. Kind of cool”. I mean, are you kidding me? How often in your life does this happen?
Being the internet junkie that I am, I did a quick google search on the Olympic torch, Alwyn Morris and Kahnawake and I noticed that the majority of the articles online focus on political issues surrounding the situation. Why not focus on the personal and positive? This is when I gave my friend Alwyn a call and asked for an interview.
Alwyn Morris, a full-blooded Mohawk, is a great role for the Mohawk community and his running of the torch through Kahnawake was an inspiration for many, including MMGG employees and Canadian sports enthusiasts. As Chuck Barnett of MIT explained to me, “A fellow Mohawk was called up to play a role in a historical moment and represent the face of our people. Alwyn is a pretty established figure in the Canadian sports world…we too (the Mohawks) recognize the value of physical endurance and the pursuit of excellence which is made manifest in the Olympic tradition”.
For a closer look into the torch running selection process, Alwyn’s personal experiences and emotions surrounding the torch run, and the reaction of the Mohawk community and MMGG employees, please enjoy my interview with Alywn Morris accompanied by a collection of pictures taken during the run.
RL: I understand that anyone can nominate anyone, but how is the nomination presented and to whom?
AM: The nomination process is done electronically and is set up on the VANOC web site. A committee reviews the nominations and normally does a basic screening of the nominations. In my case, they actually contacted the Mohawk Council and established a working relationship with the Chief and Council reps. The Council rep agreed with the nomination and the ball started to roll from that point onward.
RL: You nominated your son…why?
AM: I nominated my son because he told me that he wanted to run with the torch when he saw the advertisement on the T.V. I went on-line and sent in the nomination. I thought that if he was selected, it would be something he would never forget.
RL: Why do you think you were nominated and then chosen by VANOC? This is a great honor! Were you surprised?
AM: Having participated at the Olympic Games, I think VANOC tried to provide the opportunity for former Olympic Athletes to run with the torch. It is an honor to be given a chance to take part in another part of the Olympic tradition and gives everyone in the community to celebrate the ideals of the Olympic Games. As far as being surprised, well I think that down deep I was wishing that I too would nominated by the community/members and I was happy when I received the call from VANOC.
RL: Who is John Furlong and why did he fight for you to run the torch through Kahnawake?
AM: He was persuaded by the Four Host Nations, Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-waututh, that the torch would be safe and stay lit, and that it is an Aboriginal Tradition for something that is sacred as the torch to enter Traditional territories.
RL: Why did you choose to run the torch through Kahnawake vs. Montreal? Why was this good for the Mohawk community?
AM: I chose to run the torch through Kahnawake because the community was very instrumental in helping me get to the Olympic Games by raising thousands of dollars for me. I wanted to give back to the community and especially to the youth. The youth need to see that the Olympics are for everyone and that they too can have a positive Olympic experience. The torch was a way to light their Olympic dreams.
RL: What was the reaction from the Mohawks when they found out that you were going to run the torch through the reserve? What was the impact on the community before, during and after?
AM: The community was very supportive and came out on the day to support not only me but, the kids who had an opportunity to see the torch first hand. I guess we will all see what the impact was in the community, that is, when we get to see the next Olympic athletes from this community stand on the Olympic playing field.
RL: The Olympics are being held in “Traditional Territory”. What does “Traditional Territory” mean? Who are the four nations that agreed the Olympics could be held in this territory?
AM: Traditional territory is the identification of lands occupied by First Nations People prior to the arrival of the Europeans. The four nations are comprised of Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-waututh.
RL: How did it feel to run the torch through Kahnawake with your son? Why was this so special for you?
AM: I actually walked quickly and I was able to have a special experience because I was able to share the experience with my children. I have twins, a boy and a girl. They walked with me and as I said before my son was especially excited because he wanted to run with the torch originally and my daughter was smiling from ear to ear. I guess one has to remember that I competed in the Games long before they were born. They have heard many stories about me and the Olympics by teachers and friends and the torch relay experience really helped to give them a perspective of their father that they had never seen, it brought us all closer.
RL: What was the reaction of MMGG employees when you brought the torch into the office after the run?
AM: Some of the employees were able to come to the torch relay and the pictures show their reaction. I think having the chance to bring the torch into the office gave them all a chance to actually touch the torch and have their own small Olympic experience. The Olympics are something very special and since it is being held in Canada, it is an event of which everyone wants to remember a special moment; I hope they experience something special when they held the torch.
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- Alwyn, Becky and Chuck
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