The names have been announced of the 16 runners who will carry the 2017 Canada Summer Games torch through Steinbach in June on its way to Winnipeg. Each of them has a special story.

One of them is Sabrina Castellano-Smith who has persevered to remain active despite a serious medical condition.

"I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis approximately 20 years ago and, at the time, the first thing that went through my mind was mobility. Am I going to be able to still function and do

Sabrina Castellano-Smith the activities that I enjoy doing because the things we know about MS, some of it is limiting for many individuals. So what I decided at that period of time was, I wasn't going to allow my diagnosis to stop me from doing all the stuff that I enjoy doing. So I continued taking one step every single day and, during that period of time, over the last 20 years, I've been able to complete three half-marathons through the Manitoba Marathon and complete seven MS Bike Tours, 150 kilometre bike tours."

Another torchbearer is 4-year-old Ivan Miloutinov. His mother, Jennifer Miloutinova, says he loves sports but his activity is limited by a neurological disorder.

"He's played sports since last year. He's got epilepsy right now so he's on a bit of a diet and also can't really play too many sports because that could trigger his seizures. So we're kind of just going off of what he likes and trying to still let him have fun as much as he can."

Then there's Reese Tufford of Steinbach who is a multi-sport athlete including track and field, volleyball, softball, basketball and badminton. She was thrilled to find out she had been chosen for the relay.

"It was really exciting. My parents told me to go and take the phone and then I got the news. Some day I'd like to compete in the Canada Games and maybe even the Olympics."

Another torchbearer is Amanda Peters, a mom from Steinbach who is fulfilling a dream.

Amanda Peters"When I was younger, I loved watching the Olympic torch run and wishing that someday I could do that too. With my boys being very active and my oldest starting soccer, I want them to see me do something like this and maybe they'll be encouraged to do something in the future."

The other torchbearers are Francois Grenier, Jonas Desrosiers, Teaghan Mitchell, Jared Driedger, Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, Allison Mack, Luis Reis, Steffan Reimer, Randy Fender, Amanda Clark, Kyana Brown and Gilbert Fehr.

The Manitoba Hydro Torch Run Relay will come through Steinbach Friday, June 23rd.