The Torch Still Burns

The Olympic spirit was rekindled April 24 as members of the Berry community welcomed old friends for a special ceremony commemorating the 1996 Olympic Youth Camp.

Overseeing the event was Dr. Tom Carver, retired dean of students and an adjunct member of the Berry faculty. Among those joining him was Berry President Stephen R. Briggs. Other special guests included Marilyn Arrington, a member of the Atlanta Olympic Committee who was in charge of the Olympic Youth Camp; Ken O'Kelly, camp director; and Meg Jones-Fligg, assistant director.

Highlighting the festivities was the opening of a time capsule containing memorabilia from the camp that was encased near the Ford Archway. Though the passage of time took its toll on some of the contents, the flags, notes, letters and other items brought back great memories of an unforgettable time when Berry was a noncompetitive venue for the Olympic Games.

Held in collaboration with the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, the Olympic Youth Camp brought more than 450 students from 152 countries to the world’s largest college campus for two weeks during the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. During their stay, delegates had the opportunity to take part in physical and cultural activities, visit Olympic events and learn about the city of Atlanta as well as the United States.

“Everyone who was a part of the camp was outstanding," Dr. Carver said in the days leading up to the event. "We all had a great time, and it was a great opportunity for Berry to be a part of the 1996 Olympics.”