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 THE SALVATION ARMY 2002 bobsled team shows the determination needed to compete against the world’s elite athletes. Shown (l-r) are Major Wayne Froderberg, Lt. Colonel Harold Brodin, team captain, Lt. Colonel Mervyn Morelock (R) and Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock. |
BY DAN WILLIAMS –
In the tradition of the popular film “Cool Running,” which told of the improbable entry of a Jamaican bobsled team in the 1984 Calgary Winter Olympics, The Salvation Army has served notice to the world that it intends to field its own bobsled team in 2002.
When asked how they justify such a bold venture Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock answered, “If Jamaica can do it, so can we.” This reporter would like to know how this qualifies as reason for challenging the world’s elite bobsled teams. Evidently skill (or for that matter, prior participation in a bobsled meet) did not factor into The Salvation Army’s thought process when submitting this team for consideration to the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation.
There is no doubt, however, that The Salvation Army bobsled team is serious about its venture. One has only to look into their eyes to see the firm determination that lies beneath. “We are in this for a gold medal,” states Lt. Colonel Harold Brodin, team captain. Lt. Colonel Mervyn Morelock (R) agrees, “With the right amount of prayer anything is possible.” When asked whose idea it was to enter a Salvation Army bobsled team into the 2002 Winter Olympics, Major Wayne Froderberg, the strongest pusher on the team, responded, “It was mine. When I realized that the 2002 Winter Olympics were coming to Salt Lake City, Utah, I felt that the Army could compete with the world’s elite athletes. Anyways, how hard can it be? You just push and jump in.”
This reporter has concluded that while The Salvation Army bobsled team may never win a gold medal, some things are more important. Like a good laugh!
