Minister announces flag bearer for opening ceremonies of 2001 Canada Summer Games

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, is pleased to announce that Katie Arnott has been chosen to carry the province�s flag during the opening ceremonies of the 2001 Canada Summer Games. The announcement was made last night at a reception hosted by Minister Aylward to honour Team Newfoundland and Labrador during their final preparations for the games, which are taking place in London, Ontario from August 11 to 25.

"Carrying the province�s flag at the Canada Games is a tremendous honour for any athlete," said Minister Aylward. "Katie has many achievements not only on the provincial scene but also at the national and international level. Her recent selection to Canada�s National under-18 team is a testament to her years of commitment and personal sacrifice. She is very deserving of this honour and I am delighted that an athlete of such caliber has been chosen."

As a member of Canada�s national under-18 soccer team, Katie Arnott is preparing to participate in the first ever Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) under-19 World Cup to be held in Canada in 2002. She has played international matches against Japan, China, and on two occasions, the United States. Soon, Katie will begin training to compete with Canada�s national under-21 team in Norway in preparation for the Nordic Cup. She was also a member of the St. John�s under-17 all-star team, which won a bronze medal at the under-17 nationals last summer in St. John�s. Katie has accepted a full athletic scholarship to attend Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan and play National College Athletic Association (NCCA) division 1 soccer this September.

The flag bearer for the closing ceremonies will be announced during the second week of the games.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709)729-0928.

2001 07 18                                                   3:25 p.m.