This week’s brief SoroptiVoice Blog comes from past International Assistant Programme Director Margaret Cook. She had the honour of taking part in the Olympic Torch relay 2 weeks ago – and she certainly carried the flame for Soroptimist’s all over the world! Well done Margaret!

Sunday June 24th was a ‘once in a lifetime day’ for me- and what a day it was!
The sun shone and it was warm (we are having the wettest and coolest June ever so this was very lucky!).
There were over 20,000 people on the main road through the small town of Ilkley in Yorkshire.
They had come from the surrounding area to see the Olympic Torch being carried
on it’s way around the UK.

Months before, my club, SI Ilkley, had put my name
forward as a possible torch carrier. I had to answer many questions, prove who I
was, send my measurements and photograph and have a long telephone interview. I
then had to keep quiet until all the names were finally published – that was hard! Anyone who knows me knows that!

The day finally came and I was so nervous but what an experience it was! I felt humility, pride, excitement,
exhilaration and great pleasure as I did it for all Soroptimists I know who
gladly give their time to improve the lives of women and girls.

The
atmosphere was electric and the cheers deafening – and the shouts of ‘Margaret’
all made me feel special. I am just one of many special Soroptimists who make
such a difference to many lives’.