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If outstanding performances by the human spirit were an Olympic event, then Surrey rhythm-and-blues singer Melissa Albertson would certainly be one Canadian who owns the podium.

For it was pure fate that the 35-year-old's volunteer role in the 2010 Games led to her selection as placard-carrier for the 11-member Georgian team during the Feb. 12 opening ceremonies.

But, as fate also dictated, 21-year-old Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed earlier the same day during practice at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

"I too was devastated," Albertson recalls about her initial meeting with the grief-stricken Georgian team backstage just before the Opening Ceremonies.

"When we met, I just started crying because the Georgians weren't just a team, they were friends with each other, too. In fact, one of the coaches was Nodar's uncle."

Read more at the Province ....