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Uploaded: Monday, June 4, 2012, 7:20 AM
Updated: Friday, June 8, 2012, 7:05 AM
Pleasanton woman to carry Olympic torch
Sarah Williams, 19, chosen as one of 22 Americans as torchbearers in advance of July 27 Olympics
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 | Sarah Williams, 19, a Pleasanton resident who started the Creative Kindness blanket project that produced thousands of blankets for foster children, has been chosen by Coca Cola as one of 22 Americans who will carry an Olympic torch through the United Kingdom in advance of the Summer Olympics, which begin July 27 in London.
The torchbearers were picked for living positively, making a difference in communities, and being active in programs that help the planet.
"Williams strove for sustainability and created Legacy Blanket Kits where tools and materials are replenished by each blanket-maker and passed on," Coca Cola explained on its website. "Her project has now touched the lives of 15,000 foster children."
Williams said she believes that carrying the torch is symbolic of life's journey -- that as the torch is passed we must celebrate the journey of life and recognize that we are more alike than different.
Williams was recognized in 2009 by the U.S. Congress with a Congressional Gold Medal Award for her volunteer work and public service. — Dolores Fox Ciardelli Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
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Posted by Steve, a resident of the Ironwood neighborhood, on Jun 4, 2012 at 7:37 am Bravo! Congratulations...great to start a Monday morning read with good positive news.
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Posted by mary, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jun 4, 2012 at 1:02 pm Marvelous! So wonderful to read of her accomplishments!
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Posted by ptown mom, a resident of the Vintage Hills Elementary School neighborhood, on Jun 4, 2012 at 8:56 pm That is wonderful! Congratulations.
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Posted by Mick H, a resident of another community, on Jun 7, 2012 at 4:56 am As an English citizen with family in Pleasanton I was hoping to go along and say 'hello'; unfortunately, Sarah will be carrying the torch on a working day, so that's not possible.
I was sad to read the entry for Sarah on the official 2012 Torchbearers web-site:
Web Link
This reflects badly on the UK and the Olympics Admin team by showing a lack of care when posting information. Surely it's not beyond the wit on man to replace NOMINEE with a name?
Here's Sarah's entry in full:
Sarah's nomination story
"During her freshman year, NOMINEE read a story of a foster child being denied the comfort of a warm blanket and became determined to have all 800 students at her school make a fleece blanket for foster children by Christmas. NOMINEE began fund-raising with service clubs, then turned to local and national companies for more support. She taught blanket-making to her school's football team, Girl Scouts, service clubs, and senior groups. Her initial goal attained, NOMINEE reached sustainability by creating Legacy Blanket Kits with tools and materials to be replenished by each blanket-maker and passed on. NOMINEE'S project has now touched the lives of 10,000 foster children and countless volunteers. She's raised $80K+ and introduced the project in six states. Next May, NOMINEE will lead 20,000 Girl Scouts from all over the world in making blankets so they can introduce the project back home."
Anyway, good luck Sarah and have a great visit to our damp country :)
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