Follow Ramesh's Journey

We started this morning off with breakfast and a short presentation at the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers. While there, we met Amber Konikow – a two-time Canadian boxing champion – and heard stories of her experiences in the ring. Amber, it was great to meet you: the determination you show in following your dreams is inspiring.

At 11 AM, Cycle to Walk participated in an official ride in to Sudbury. It was a gorgeous day and we cycled over the Bridge of Nations, which has flags representing all nations from which the citizens of Sudbury originate. It was very nice to meet up with old high school and Youth Synod friends. During the ride, CBC Radio’s Tracy Fuller conducted the most unique interview I’ve ever been a part of: with a microphone in hand, she cycled with us and spoke with me on the move! Tracy told me later that she was transferring to CBC Whitehorse in the near future. Perhaps we’ll conduct a follow-up interview back home.

At Tom Davies Square we met with the Community Development Coordinator for the City of Greater Sudbury, Jeff Pafford. Thank you, Mr. Pafford for the official welcome to your city. I’d also like to thank Constables Reynard Dockery and Rick Carr, Auxiliary Constable Mitch Brunette, and Al Brunette of the Sudbury Police for providing an escort and ensuring everyone’s safety – especially as we cycled over the Bridge of Nations. I found it quite fitting to travel over such a multicultural landmark as part of the Cycle to Walk campaign. We live in a global community with global travel, and polio is a world issue. Together, we can beat it.

This afternoon, Cycle to Walk was invited on to the CBC’s “Ontario Today” radio program, which reached listeners across the province. In the evening, the Venerable Tom Corston and members of the Church of the Epiphany hosted a public information session, but before it began, we were treated to a spaghetti dinner with dessert prepared by Edna, Carol and Betty. Thanks so much for dinner! Thanks also to Ruth Corston for the Jonathan Bits (Bacon wrapped water chestnuts) that you prepared for the road.
It was wonderful to see people take the time out on a Thursday evening to learn more about Cycle to Walk and polio. Many people stayed afterwards to give donations, to purchase t-shirts and posters, and to share their stories about polio. Sudbury was a side trip for the Cycle to Walk team and it was worth every minute of it. The trees, lakes and rocks throughout this city are beautiful! Thank you to the people of Sudbury for supporting Cycle to Walk. You have made us feel very welcome, and have truly demonstrated to the rest of the Canada that you support a polio-free world.