Burn victim gets to participate in Games closing ceremonies

DEBLOIS - Although not where he left off, Robbie Arsenault got to complete his Canada Games torch run after all.
He is the 11-year-old DeBlois youth who sustained a severe burn to the side of his face when a gust of wind splashed wax from the torch onto his face on Aug. 14.
After receiving medical attention at Western Hospital, the son of Michael and Sandra Arsenault was determined to pick up the torch again but runners had already moved on.
During closing ceremonies in Charlottetown on Saturday, Arsenault carried the torch onto the stage and handed it off to Host Society president Joseph Spriet who presented it to the mayor of the host city for the 2011 Winter Games, Halifax, for safe-keeping.
"It was really cool," said Arsenault. "I never thought I'd get to go to the Canada Games."
He didn't worry about getting burned again, he said, because the torch had just been lit so there was no build-up of hot wax when he carried it forward.
The opportunity to participate in the closing was set in motion after his mother contacted Games officials to inquire about getting a Canada Games torchbearer T-shirt to replace the one ruined by hot wax.
Sandra Arsenault said senior officials denied any knowledge of the wax incident and agreed to replace the T-shirt. They also extended an invitation to attend the closing ceremonies with the promise of Canada Games collectibles. He received several rare Canada Games pins, including the sought-after blue lobster, a hoodie, cap and other items, and was introduced to Olympic runner Jared Connaughton.
"I got my picture taken with him," he added.
The right side of the boy's face still displays blisters from the hot wax, and healing continues.
Robbie is grateful to now have more pleasant memories of P.E.I.'s Canada Summer Games.