Olympic torch runs through Westwood
By Daily Bruin Staff
April 28, 1996 9:00 p.m.
Monday, April 29, 1996
10,000 runners will shepherd torch to AtlantaBy Jennifer
Louie
Daily Bruin Contributor
There were no prizes or luring gimmicks, but the spirit of the
Olympics brought hundreds of spectators together Saturday evening
to witness the passing of the Olympic torch through Westwood.
Family, friends and Olympics fans anxiously lined Le Conte
Avenue to catch a glimpse of the flame during its journey toward
Atlanta, Ga. where it will kick off the 1996 Olympic Games.
"The Olympics bring the entire country together, no matter where
you’re from or what you believe. The whole world can embrace and
cherish it. The torch is a great part of this tradition," said
Sameer Bakhda, a fourth-year biology student.
The prospect of participating in the making of history served as
an inspiration for much of the crowd, spectators said.
"I’m looking forward to taking part in the buildup of a good
year for America," said Jason Williams, a first-year psychology
student, as he awaited the arrival of the torch.
One of the torch bearers, Lisa Hilborn, director of wheelchair
sports at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, said she was overcome
with "an incredible degree of emotion" after she completed her one
kilometer of the relay.
"It’s a great opportunity to share goodwill with others,"
Hilborn said.But the weight of the responsibility was more than
Hilborn expected. Despite her pride, Hilborn admitted that it was
difficult to run with her torch  which she paid $250 to keep
 held high.
Some members of the crowd said the pride Hilborn and cheering
fans demonstrated was exactly why they chose to be a part of the
excitement.
"Too many people are losing track of where they’re going today.
We need to bring back our pride in America," explained Eric
Wersching, a first-year political science student.
Many UCLA students took advantage of having the national event
right in their backyard by showing up to display their support.
"I’m proud to have the relay by the school. It’s like a little
Bruin send-off for the Olympics," Williams said.
With the help of more than 10,000 runners who will travel a sum
of 15,280 miles, organizers of the event expect the flame to arrive
at the Centennial Olympic Stadium by July 19.
