Carrying a torch for Winnipeg

It has already left its home in Greece for a coast to coast tour of Canada. And, in two months, the Olympic flame will arrive in Manitoba.

"One very special individual has been selected to carry the torch on behalf of the city of Winnipeg," Mayor Sam Katz announced this morning.

Finding the right person to run the last leg of the torch relay in Winnipeg wasn’t easy. Today the Mayor Katz introduced the young man who beat out 30 others for the job.

"He is an eighth-grade student from Gray Academy, who at the age of 12 raised $14,000 in three weeks to research cancer," added Katz.

"I couldn’t have raised the money I raised for cancer without all the help from people in Winnipeg," said Noah Palansky, "And that’s why when I’m doing the walk, I’m doing it in honour of all of the people in Winnipeg."

In the crowd, Noah’s parents beam with pride. "It’s just so overwhelming, he’s way beyond his years and he’s just a wonderful, sensitive, spiritual personal," his mother Naomi gushed.

Noah reveals his mother was his motivation for it all, "as soon as she got diagnosed, I wanted to do something to make a difference."

He began fundraising after she was diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago. For him, getting permission to collect pledges was the tricky part.

"They weren’t sure if I should be allowed, cause you have to raise a $1,000 minimum and they didn’t think I’d be able to," said the 13-year-old.

Noah surprised everyone when he raised $14,000 in just three weeks. He didn’t stop there either. In the past year, his total pledges have amounted to $60,000.

"It’s a lot for a guy to deal with finding out that his mom has cancer," Noah’s father Bruce reasons, "and on his own he turned something so negative into something so positive."

"He’s an inspiration to us all and embodies the spirit of community and dedication,” added Katz.

"It feels amazing to be chosen. Winnipeg’s a great city with great people and I feel honored to be chosen as the community torch bearer," said Palansky.

Noah’s lifetime goal is to raise $1 million dollars for cancer research and, at his rate, anything is possible.