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Shirley Botham

Shirley Botham is from the Philippines. She immigrated to Canada in 2002, via Geneva Switzerland.

Shirley has worked in the financial industry for over 18 years and has received many awards including “Top Performer of the Year”, in 2013. She has been with FirstOntario Credit Union for 7 years. She believes that the company culture aligns with her values and beliefs. Shirley prides in delivering great customer service to her members.

She is very active in the community, and volunteers with many charitable organizations including “BlueWave”. Shirley loves to travel with her husband and enjoys outdoor activities with her dog.

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Cameron Robillard

I developed a love of sports at a very young age. My favourite sport is hockey. I have been a defenseman on Niagara North Stars for several years with my twin brother Ryan. This spring, I was drafted to the OHL Mississauga Steelheads.

Through sports I have developed many amazing friendships and have had many life experiences which I will always remember.

Recently I had the opportunity to play on several high school sport teams which has helped me to become part of the school community. I have been volunteering for local organizations over the last few years and I work part time at Canadian Tire.

I am very excited to be a torchbearer for the Summer Games. It is a way to show my love of sports and to welcome athletes and spectators to St. Catharines.

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Ryan Robillard

I am currently involved in many school and travel sport teams. My love of hockey has continued to develop over the years since playing as a forward for the Niagara North Stars at a very young age with my twin brother Cameron.

I have learned many valuable skills through sports and made lifelong friends. I value the lessons learned through training and competing. Sports has provided me with amazing memories with teammates, friends, coaches, and families.

Over the years, I have been volunteering with different local community organizations. I enjoy working part time at Canadian Tire. Being a torchbearer is a way for me to be a part of sports in my community. I am excited to play a part in welcoming the Summer Games athletes and spectators to the Niagara Region.

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Jack Venneri

My name is Jack Venneri, I am a 22-year-old St. Catharines resident. I am currently studying Business and Marketing at Niagara College and I have also been an employee at Canadian Tire for the previous four years.

I played junior hockey locally for both the St. Catharines Falcons and the Grimsby Peach Kings for a total of 5 seasons. I am also currently working through my Co-op placement at Energy Fitness Studio in St. Catharines.

I look forward to participating in the torch run!

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Tess Trojan

Tess has been a Special Olympics Athlete for 20 years. She participates in basketball, bowling, speed skating and CYO Jr IceDogs Special Needs hockey. She has also participated and medaled at many Special Olympics North America Golf Tournaments, the Ontario Disability Tournament and the PGA of Canada All Abilities at Humber Valley, as well as 2 SO Provincial and 2 National Games.

Tess earned gold medals in Women’s Golf at both the 2015 and 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games. She was Inducted as her high school's 2016 Wall of Fame Athlete, the first athlete with an intellectual disability to do so. She is also a graduate of Niagara College with certificates in College Exploration and Pre-Community Services.

In addition to all her accomplishments, she served on the Special Olympics Ontario Board of Directors as the Athlete Representative from September 2013 to September 2021; is a member of the Special Olympics Ontario Athlete Leadership Council; represented Special Olympics North America as member of the 2021 Team Coca-Cola for the Tokyo Summer Olympics (the first global marketing campaign that included Olympic, Paralympic and Special Olympics athletes); and is an Accessibility Committee Member and Accessibility Lead for the Golf Venue at Niagara 2022.

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Umang Gupta - in his own words

Being someone who moved here as an immigrant, not so long ago, I have always admired how welcoming Canadians are, and the lengths they would go to help someone in need. It just fills me with gratitude and pride that I get to call Canada home and enjoy its culturally diverse and inclusive society. By drawing inspiration from this unmistakable sense of community in people here, I have been embodying and demonstrating the Canada Games spirit by serving our community and helping others whenever I get the opportunity to. Since I moved to Canada and joined Accenture back in 2018, I have been involved in several volunteering opportunities (like No One Goes Hungry initiative, Niagara Welcome Home Kits initiative (in collaboration with United Way), Niagara After School Program, Niagara - Food Sorting for Community Care, Every Name Counts, etc.) led by our Corporate Citizenship Team in Niagara.

I have a strong personal drive to serve the community and strive hard to find ways to make a positive difference in others’ lives. As a torchbearer for the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, I would get an opportunity to share my story which can help provide other immigrants with a sense of belonging here and inspire them to help make our communities more welcoming, inclusive and caring.

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Ava Nolan

Ava is a prideful 18 year old who has Down Syndrome; however this does not stop her from reaching her goals and proving that she can do anything she sets her mind to. She embodies the dedication required in sports as she is a Special Olympics swimmer, cross fit athlete, and participant in Good Life’s Move program. As well, she aspires to become a Canada Games athlete.

Ava extended her contributions into the Canada Summer Games community as she was nominated to be part of the “Steel Heart” music video. It is this very activity that showcases her eagerness to get involved and try new things. Her involvement as a young adult with an exceptionality shows others that regardless of their differences they are capable to thrive in our society. For example, Ava is continuing to work towards her high school diploma, has participated in interviews with different organizations, and volunteers in different communities.

Ava should be considered as a torchbearer for the Niagara 2022 Summer Games as it provides her with the opportunity to continue to model that differences do not define your ability. She is an ideal candidate as she can bring together her sport, youth, and community experience to bring forward the energy and excitement associated with the Canada Games!

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Sam Charal

Sam Charal is an active and engaged Indigenous (Nêhiyaw and Metis from Territory 1) person who proudly calls Niagara home and works full-time at Brock University. As someone who has pushed to access post-secondary education himself, he has gone on to work with various youth intervention and forest therapy programs with at-risk and neurodiverse youth and is an advocate of land-based learning and respecting the lands we live on. Sam is a leader and role model to young people, someone who is active and holds the values of sport, doing your personal best, and respecting culture and land in the process. He also is a huge supporter of community, which is not only a given and top priority as part of his Indigenous cultural upbringing, but models this in his work and life, building relationships, attending community events across Niagara, and warmly bringing people together.

As a Recruitment/Liaison Officer, Sam promotes access to post-secondary education specifically for Indigenous youth and the community and sport opportunities within. Having him carry the torch is a symbol to young people that access to continuing their education and pursuing sport and land-based learning is possible, despite systemic and generational barriers.

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Lloyd Smith

CEO Lloyd Smith has, for years, been instrumental in the ongoing success of FirstOntario Credit Union. Driving corporate activities and managing resources, he has held positions covering a range of responsibilities including finance, treasury, corporate services, risk management and corporate investments.

Lloyd began his career in 1990, working at Family Savings & Credit Union (Niagara) Limited as Controller. In 1999, he was actively involved in the merger between Family Savings and Avestel, which formed FirstOntario Credit Union.

Lloyd received a Bachelor of Administration degree from Brock University, is a Chartered Professional Accountant, a Certified General Accountant and a Certified Chief Executive.

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Suzanne (Suzy) Caiger

I am participating in this torch relay in honour of my nephew, Gareth Dunn, who was in training for the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 but never made it. He fought his battle with cancer courageously after he lost his leg and never gave up.

Participating with me are my daughters Josie and Fiona. Gareth was an athlete till the very end and left a legacy of a young man whose bright light will continue to shine in our hearts.

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Cindy Whalen

My name is Cynthia Whalen and I am 45 years old. I have worked at FirstOntario Credit Union for 24 years.

I was born in Brantford, Ontario and moved to the Niagara Region in 1996. I graduated from Niagara College in 2000.

I am the mother of three beautiful girls and a recent cancer survivor!

I enjoy bowling in a league and playing on a baseball team. I have also recently learned to golf.

I am so very proud to be part of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games and represent our beautiful region.

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Elaine Renault

My name is Elaine Renault and I have been an employee with FirstOntario Credit Union for 34 years. I am so proud to be part of an organization that participates in community events. I was excited to hear that the Canada Games were coming to Niagara and that we were going to be part of the Games.

I am an avid runner and look forward to carrying the torch for my leg of our relay with my husband, son, daughter and my parents. I have participated in sports my entire life and love the lessons sport teaches us such as commitment, perseverance and the joy it brings to your life when you are doing something you love.

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Jennifer Page

My name is Jennifer Page and I was born and raised in the Niagara Region and work hard to support my family and community. After graduating from Brock University, I married my local sweetheart, had a beautiful daughter, and settled in Fonthill. At 28, I was left widowed with a small child.

Reviving my career, I went from teaching music and restaurant management to the investment industry, where I’ve thrived for the past 14 years. I’m passionate about increasing youth financial literacy, travelling and restoring homes.

My beautiful son came along three years ago and together with my daughter we are creating a bright and happy future.

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Debbie Murdoch

I am an employee of FirstOntario Credit Union and currently lead the Internal Member Service Team, which supports the branches in many different areas. In February 2023, I will celebrate my 35 year anniversary with FirstOntario!

I am a proud mom to two daughters, Julie and Jenna and I have two son-in-laws, Chris and Moe. I am a grandma to the cutest little boy in the world, Enzo, who will be four years old in September. It’s true what they say: being a grandparent is the best!

I am also a member of our Blue Wave volunteer group at FirstOntario and enjoy being out in the community helping others. It is so rewarding to give back and know I made a small difference.

I am honoured to be able to participate in the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games torch relay.

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Doris Stark

My name is Doris Serwaa Stark. I was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. My husband and I moved to Canada in 2006 with our nine-month-old baby.

I am now a proud Canadian who lives in Niagara Falls with my husband and two beautiful daughters. I am a trained chef and a nutritionist. I currently work in St. Catharines, Ontario.

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Adam Christensen

My name is Adam Christensen and I’m honoured to have been chosen to carry the torch for the 2022 Canada Summer Games! I grew up in Waterdown, Ontario and currently live in Brantford with my wife (Kelly) and four beautiful children (Owen , Rylie, Kolby and Bodi).

Growing up I played a number of competitive sports where I learned the value of teamwork, with some of my fondest memories being attributed to the friendships I built along the way.

I’m very proud to be a part of this unique event and proud to represent FirstOntario Credit Union, an organization that works to have a meaningful, lasting impact by focusing on the issues that are most important to our communities and reaching out to so many people in the neighbourhoods where we live and work.

Wishing good luck to all of the athletes participating in the Games this summer! The example you set will help shape the future for generations to come. Go Canada!