Port Coquitlam Honors Terry Fox with Sculptures on 45th Anniversary

On the 45th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, his hometown of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, unveiled two sculptures to honor the Canadian icon. The installation, titled Gateway of Giants, was revealed during a ceremony held on Saturday, marking a significant moment for both the community and the Fox family.

The artwork, designed by Spanish artist Casto Solano, is strategically placed in an open plaza along Wilson Avenue. According to the city, this location serves as an inviting space for visitors to “remember where Terry began his journey.” The sculptures are designed to be interactive, allowing people to approach, touch, and take photographs, fostering a personal connection to Fox’s legacy.

“It’s always so amazing to have the community come together, and it really feels like they wrap their arms around Terry at this moment,” said Kirsten Fox, Terry’s niece, during the unveiling. She emphasized the importance of community support in preserving her uncle’s memory.

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West expressed his hopes that the sculptures will inspire conversations about Terry Fox’s life and achievements. “I can just think of parents being able to bring their little kids and look up at these statues and have that spark conversations of who Terry was and what he did and why he did it,” West remarked.

Terry Fox embarked on his iconic Marathon of Hope in 1980 after losing one of his legs to cancer. His journey commenced in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on April 12, 1980, where he dipped his foot into the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, he was forced to discontinue his run in Ontario on September 1, 1980, when the cancer returned. Despite the abrupt end to his journey, Fox’s efforts sparked a nationwide movement, with his initiative raising over $850 million for cancer research through events held in communities and schools across Canada.

The 45th anniversary celebration not only serves as a tribute to Fox’s indomitable spirit but also as a moment of pride for his family and friends. “It says that people believe in Terry. They still connect with his values that he taught us: determination, perseverance, empathy,” Kirsten Fox noted, highlighting the enduring impact of her uncle’s legacy.

The sculptures are located on a walkway leading to the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, which features an exhibit dedicated to Terry Fox. Artifacts on display include his spare prosthetic leg and a Marathon of Hope T-shirt, allowing visitors to gain insight into his remarkable journey.

Alward, Fox’s best friend and the driver of the original Marathon of Hope van, reflected on the significance of the new sculptures. “Terry realized what the most important thing in life was: giving back,” he stated, underscoring the ethos that Terry Fox championed throughout his life.

As Port Coquitlam commemorates this milestone anniversary, the newly unveiled sculptures stand as a lasting tribute to Terry Fox’s incredible journey and the profound impact he continues to have on the fight against cancer.