c Games, is now being displayed at the Bakersfield College library archives. Two former staff members, Chuck Wall and Ray Maranda, donated their Olympictorches to BC for the community to view.
The origins of the Olympic torch or Olympic fire come from ancient Greece, where a fire was kept burning due to the celebration of the ancient Olympics. The honor of carrying an Olympic torch for the summer and winter games is an extraordinary privilege to perform. To be selected as a carrier one must have performed well in leadership qualities.
Wall is a retired human relations instructor from Bakersfield College, motivational speaker in the fields of communications and a published author. He was born in Los Angeles. Although Wall is partly blind, he achieved a doctorate in educational administration and marketing management from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Wall created the “Random Acts of Kindness” movement, which has received international attention. The United States House of Representatives instituted an Act of Kindness Awareness Week in honor to his performance.
In September 2002, Wall was nominated to carry the Olympic torch as it traveled across America to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics. The Chevrolet Division of General Motors and Coca Cola sponsored Wall to continue in the relay. Wall carried the torch in Ventura.
“I was not aware of being nominated until I was chosen to be one of the carriers. My wife sent a letter to recommend me for the relay,” said Wall. “The torch was heavy along with the two-foot flame I had to carry with me while running. It was an incredible experience I will never forget.”
“I am blind, so the thought of me being part of the Olympics never even entered my mind,” said Wall.
Wall was selected to keep the original silver 2002 Winter Olympic torch. “After I was done running with the torch and passed the flame, security took the torch to puncture the propane tank so that it will never be used again,” said Wall.
Karen Garza, staff at BC library, and her student assistant Vinny Rivera, were told to set up the torches and props for proper viewing.
“I was given the torches and props and it took me an hour to set up the equipment just right,” said Garza. “I then added some extra touches. It is so neat to know I was able to hold the Olympic torches.”
Ray Maranda was sponsored to carry the torch as it made its way across the United States, leading up to Los Angeles, in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
“I ran it through King City, and being there at the time, people came up wanting to hold the torch and it was really a great experience,” said Maranda.
Maranda was also selected to keep the torch. “Whenever I watch the Olympics, I always think back to 1984 and say I was able to receive one and run with it,” he said.
Both Wall and Maranda donated their torches to BC and asked for permanent displays at the archives.
Rosalee Pogue, archive assistant at BC, is pleased to have helped display the torches for all BC students and the community to view.
A display has been set up in the lobby area at the BC library. The display will be moved upstairs in the archives for permanent display by the end of this week.
“It is very unique and extraordinary to have two former staff members who have carried an Olympic torch from one institution,” said Wall. “We are very proud to be a part of BC.”
“BC frequently honors, at heart, anything going on, and we are both honored to share our memorable experiences with BC and the community,” said Wall. “Even though the flame went away, the memory Maranda and I have received will live on forever.”