GOWANDA — On a calm, but extremely cold morning, the Gowanda Central School District participated in the Empire State Winter Games Torch Relay Monday.

In a display of Panther pride, numerous community members, district staff and families gathered along the route sidewalks to cheer on fleet-footed student representatives as they braved the subzero temperatures and snow-covered roadways while carrying one of two torches used to begin this year’s Winter Games.

Led by Elementary School physical education teacher Mr. David Bolen, the following students acted as torch bearers and ran across campus and into downtown Gowanda: Fourth-graders Kyan Austin, Maddox Hudson, Aubrey Smuda and Kiernan Quinn; eighth-graders Kailyn Farner, Cole Herman, Nevaeh Konwicki, and John Ondus; junior Christian Cook and senior Kristine Twoguns.

The torch relay has two routes that unite the whole state: one from Buffalo and one from New York City, with both meeting in the Adirondacks. The district is proud to be an honorary representative of this statewide event marking the start of the 2019 Winter Games.

“I know it was cold, so I really appreciate seeing so many faculty/staff/students supporting our torch-bearers,” said Bolen, who also coaches modified cross country and track and field.

The Gowanda route began at the elementary school then continued to the middle school and high school before ending up at Community Bank in the village downtown.

The opening ceremony is set for Thursday in Lake Placid.

For more information about the Winter Games, visit: https://www.empirestatewintergames.com/.

David Bolen is seen with the fourth graders as Principal Carrie Dzierba looks on.