Port Coquitlam, Terry Fox’s hometown, recently unveiled two sculptures dubbed Gateway of Giants as part of a public art installation to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Canadian icon’s Marathon of Hope. Story by LJI reporter Yuna Fahim.

The sculptures, created by Spanish artist Casto Solano, are located in front of the Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre in the plaza on Wilson Avenue and were funded as a collaboration between the City of Port Coquitlam and the Fox family.

The city says it offers an inviting space for visitors to “remember where Terry began his journey.” The sculptures were also designed to be approachable, and people are welcomed to walk up to them, touch them and take photographs.

The ceremony featured speeches by Mayor Brad West, MLA Mike Farnworth, Kirsten Fox (Terry’s niece ), and Terry's friend Doug Alward who drove the original Marathon of Hope van, and said the sculptures will be a lasting symbol of Fox’s legacy.

On Saturday the City of Port Coquitlam posted on social media that “Being Terry’s hometown is the greatest honour. We continue to share his story, keep his Marathon of Hope alive, and remember his incredible determination and spirit,”

Also currently on display at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Centre is the Inspiring Local Champions exhibit, which opened earlier this year and features artifacts from Fox’s life, including one of his prosthetic legs and an original Marathon of Hope t-shirt. Other displays trace his early years in Port Coquitlam and his school years at Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School, now called Terry Fox Secondary School in his honour.