Man from Ontario calls support 'unreal' during 1,200-km journey for Broncos
Regina hosts welcoming reception for Rance Cardinal as he sets sights on May 27 arrival in Humboldt
As he gets closer to his destination of Humboldt, Sask., Rance Cardinal feels the support continue to build, with a huge gathering cheering him during his arrival in Regina.
The city's Mâmawêyatitân Centre hosted a reception for Cardinal. Several guests spoke about the impact of the Broncos' hockey team bus crash on April 6 and Cardinal's walk in response to it. Guests and elders presented him with gifts, including an eagle feather and a Broncos blanket.
"I have a lot of emotions going through my mind," Cardinal said, when asked about the reception to his decision to walk nearly 1,200 kilometres from his home in Ontario to Humboldt. "[It's] unreal."
He said the gifts, particularly the eagle feather, left him speechless as he never expected to be given such an honour.
"This is a moment you want to cherish for a lifetime."
After hearing about the crash, the 24-year-old said he felt compelled to begin a walk from Sioux Lookout, Ont., to Humboldt to deliver a sign reading "Humboldt Strong" to residents of the Saskatchewan community. The focus, he said, shouldn't be on him, but about the people impacted by the crash that killed 16 people and injured 13 others.
"I'm doing this to show my support and give my strength to the Humboldt Broncos and the people of Humboldt, and everybody that's been affected."
Along his walk, he has dealt with tendinitis and blisters, but said that a little bit of tape, ice cold baths and "mind over matter" keep him going.
"It just takes all that pain away."
The walk is already changing him. Before he began the journey, he said, he didn't have a job or money.
"I'm a father. I shouldn't be broke, waiting for a welfare cheque." He hopes to get "Rance Cardinal" back after completing his mission.
"I'm going to step up, step up in life."
Cardinal said he has been averaging between 30 and 40 kilometres a day. He hopes to arrive in Humboldt on May 27, with a welcoming committee expected to greet him in the city upon his arrival.
"This is a tough time, I know, and my heart goes out to all of you. Humboldt Strong," said Cardinal, lifting his arms up in a show of strength.
