Wheelchair Rugby legend Garett Hickling named Flag Bearer for Team Canada at the London 2012 Paralympic Games
LONDON, Aug. 26, 2012 /CNW/ – Wheelchair rugby player Garett Hickling, a
five-time Paralympian and three-time Paralympic medallist, has been
named Opening Ceremony flag bearer for Team Canada at the London 2012
Paralympic Games.
Hickling is one of the greatest wheelchair rugby players in the world.
He was tournament MVP at the first three World Championships held in
the sport and has competed in every Paralympics that wheelchair rugby
has been included in – since 1996.
“I’m very, very, very surprised,” said Hickling, who found out last
night via Skype, surrounded by his teammates. “This wasn’t something I
had even thought of or considered. I’m just ecstatic being able to play
in the Paralympics, and to be able to do something like this is just
phenomenal. I don’t know if I’m still in a daze or a dream. I probably
will be smiling ear to ear and just try to hold that flag up high and
represent Canada as best I can.”
Born in Mica Creek, B.C., Hickling’s hometown is Kelowna, B.C. He
recently moved to Dorchester, Ont. (near London, Ont.) to train with
teammate David Willsie. While there, he developed a love of coaching
and was instrumental in starting a new team in Toronto. Hickling is a
quiet leader of Team Canada and his experience will be key in the
team’s quest for gold.
Selection criteria for the opening ceremony flag bearer require that the
athlete exhibit a commitment to fair play; be respected as a role model
by other athletes; maintain an exemplary standard of behaviour and have
made a contribution to Paralympic sport and the sporting community.
“Garett exemplifies all these qualities and more,” said Chef de Mission
Gaetan Tardif. “He is one of the most feared athletes in the sport, yet
also exceptionally humble. He is respected by athletes throughout
Canada and the world. I know our Canadian Team will be proud to follow
Garrett into the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.”
Canada has a total of 145 athletes competing in 15 sports at the London
2012 Paralympic Games, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9. The full team list and
media guide are available at www.paralympic.ca/london2012.
The flag bearer announcement came before the team was treated to a show
of eclectic song and dance performances at the official Team Welcome
Ceremony in the Paralympic Village Plaza.
“Today we welcome the Canadian Paralympic Team to the Athletes’ Village
in London as they gear up to compete against the best athletes in the
world,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “On
behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada, I want to
wish all of our amazing athletes the very best of success as they begin
their journey to the podium.”
Note to Editors: Broadcast-standard video and mp3 files are available
for media download via SendtoNews: www.sendtonews.com. Still images are
available via www.paralympic.ca/imagebank.
About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization
with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the
Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s vision is to
be the world’s leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the
development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to
enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By
supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success,
the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a
disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its
member organizations.
Follow Your Team:
www.paralympic.ca/london2012
www.facebook.com/CDNParalympics
www.twitter.com/CDNParalympics #London2012 #GoCanadaGo
www.youtube.com/CDNParalympics
SOURCE CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (CPC)
