New Westminster Olympic Torchbearer, Don Benson

Don Benson, aged 76, is one of two torchbearers for the City of New Westminster, BC, Tues. Feb.9, 2010. He lights cauldron at formal Community Celebration.

Don is a poet/jock and a multi-gold medal winner at the Masters Level (age 76- 79yrs) in Throws Pentathlon.

Achievements - Poetry - Canadian record as the longest serving (seven term) Poet Laureate (1999-2007). In 2007 he was appointed New Westminster's Poet Laureate Emeritus, a lifetime honour. Author of several historical books about BC and New Westminster.

Sports Achievements (in the last two years only):

Canadian National Competition - 2009 - won a total of six national medals at the Canadian Masters Championship (age 76-79 yr old category) in Kamloops BC.
Four Gold: Throws Pentathlon, Weight Throw, Hammer Throw, and Discus Throw.
One Silver: Javelin Throw,
One Bronze: Shot Put.

International Competition - USA
2008 Silver Medal, Outdoor Pentathlon, USA Master Championships, Spokane, Washington.

[@jordangroves1758]

Great vignette. Exceptional human.

[@renbooks]

Hi Don,
What a great RUclips video. Enjoyed.

[@chrisropherhoffman1076]

Nice! Some history of sport too!

[@VeryMerryLou]

wonderful!!!