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  Torchbearer
For The 2002 Winter Olympic Games
On
January 27, 2002, Paul Staso, had the honor of running with the Olympic
Torch in Big Sky, Montana during the Winter Olympic Torch Relay. A former
high school cross country and track athlete, in 1984 Paul began the
exploring his running endurance limits while in college. Since then, his
abilities have certainly taken him places!
During the summer of 2006, Paul became the
6th person in history to complete
a solo run across the United States - ocean to ocean. The 3,260-mile route included 15
states: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland
(and D.C.), and Delaware. The run, termed "P.A.C.E. Run 2006", was the
direct result of an amazing running/walking effort by 97 kids at Russell
Elementary School in Missoula, Montana (learn details at
seeusrun.com).
The acronym P.A.C.E. is for "Promoting Active Children Everywhere".
Paul's run across America began on the Oregon coast and ended on the coast
of Delaware. Throughout the 108 days of running he maintained an average
pace of 30 miles per day. His main purpose was to fulfill a promise he made
to elementary students. Paul also wanted the P.A.C.E. Run to increase awareness in
children about the importance of health and fitness. His grueling trek took
him over the Northern Rocky Mountains, traversing barren plains, into
numerous towns and cities, across the steep Appalachian Mountain range, and
through the second hottest summer ever recorded in U.S. history - all while
pushing 65 pounds of necessary supplies! You can learn about his trek at
pacerun.com.
Carrying
The Torch To Schools And Hospitals...
Since the Olympic Torch Relay occurred, Paul has been the guest speaker at
numerous schools in the Missoula, Montana area. During the 2002 Olympic
Games Paul presented a message to several school children in Missoula and
visited patients in local hospitals, giving others an opportunity to hold
the Olympic Torch, experience a piece of history, and learn more about the
Torch Relay. He visited with approximately 2,000 school children and
hospital patients throughout the 17 days of the Winter Olympic Games.
"The Olympic Torch lit up my life in an unexpected way. I was able to meet
some wonderful people and share a positive message based on the theme of the
2002 Olympics - which is inscribed on the Torch," Paul says. "That theme is
"Light The Fire Within" and I was able to challenge young people to think
about the abilities they have and how they can best fan those abilities into
flame to shine brightly and to make a positive impact in the world."
Paul's
Road To The Olympic Torch Relay...
 Early in 2001 the U.S. Olympic Torch Relay Committee began reviewing
potential Torchbearer applications and nominations. The committee read about Paul's efforts in the sport of running and his desire to use his athletic
abilities to promote such beneficial organizations as the
American Cancer Society;
World Vision International; and the
National Marrow Donor Program.
The Olympic Torch Relay Committee also read about Paul's dedication to
coaching young track and field athletes. Ultimately, the Olympic Torch Relay
Committee searched for people who met one or more of the following criteria:
Inspires others to greater achievement;
Has been a source of community inspiration;
Embodies the inspirational spirit of the Olympic Movement;
Motivates others by encountering and overcoming adversity.
 Selected
From 210,000 Americans Considered...
Paul's perseverance, goals and purpose in his running - as well as his
desire to coach and encourage young people - were some factors which
contributed to his being selected to carry the Olympic Torch. In July 2001
the Olympic Committee notified Paul of his being chosen to represent Montana
during the 2002 Torch Relay across America. Only 5% of all potential
Torchbearers nationwide were ultimately accepted for the Olympic Torch
Relay, and Paul became a part of that select and honored group.
Mitt Romney, president and CEO of the 2002 Olympic Committee, said:
"The Torchbearer selection process goes to the heart of the Games theme.
There is a fire, a spirit, that burns in all of us, and we looked for the
Olympian in everyone. Torchbearers are people from all walks of life who
have inspired others, whether an individual or a community. Our intention is
that the flame will serve as a catalyst, motivating individuals to strive
for excellence and achievement in their lives, affecting positive change in
their own communities."
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