FSU President is Olympic torch ready
As one of 12,000 Canadian torchbearers, he'll be running his 300m of the relay through London on December 24 carrying the icon of Olympic pride.
While he jokes that he hasn't been training, he's starting to get an idea of the impact and meaning the position holds for Canadians.
“The reactions I've gotten from other people…a lot of others who applied to do this, I didn't know it was such a big deal,” he said.
On the big day, he'll be getting the presidential treatment — fitting given his current position — of having a security convoy of 10 police cars behind and in front as he embarks on the run, he said.
The Fanshawe Student Union's business manager, Paul Masse, gave Cooper the position after being offered it by Coca Cola — a partner of the college — and felt it should go to a student leader.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity for Jabari and (he'd) be a great representative for Fanshawe College and the students,” said Masse.
Cooper will be ready to represent the college in full Olympic regalia — each torchbearer is sent an official Olympic tracksuit for the relay designed by the official Olympic outfitters, the Hudson Bay Company.
But he does admit he might have a little case of the nerves, as the date gets closer.
“On the day, I'll probably be nervous,” he said. “It's an experience I know nothing about.
“But I'm excited definitely.”
