Tourism, Culture and Recreation
February 24, 2009
Province�s First 2010 Winter Olympics
Torchbearer Named
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of
Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today congratulated Kyle Smook, a
14-year-old Paradise resident and Grade 9 student at Mount Pearl
Intermediate, on being the first Newfoundlander and Labradorian to be
named a torchbearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
The announcement was made Monday at the Boys and Girls Club at Mundy
Pond in St. John�s during Coca-Cola�s Sogo Carry the Flame Tour. St.
John�s is one of 25 cities where the tour will stop to inspire Canadians
to apply to become Olympic torchbearers and live more active lifestyles.
�Kyle was one of the first young people in Canada to sign up to the Sogo
Active website, and to indicate his desire to carry the torch for his
province and his country,� said Minister Jackman. �I congratulate Kyle
on his initiative; for his commitment to living an active and healthy
lifestyle, and for being a role model for young people throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage other young people to get
involved and learn how they can apply to become an Olympic torchbearer
in their community.�
Kyle�s application, chosen in a random draw, highlighted his personal
exercise regimen, which includes running at least one kilometre a day
before and after school.
Beginning on November 11, the Olympic Flame will arrive in Wabush/Labrador
City and spend the next five days visiting 41 communities and involve
330 torchbearers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canadians who commit to live more active lives, or are inspired to
create a better Canada, could win the chance to carry the flame through
2010 Olympic Torchbearer programs run by Coca-Cola and RBC, the torch
relay�s presenting partners. Information about becoming a torchbearer as
well as a complete route of the relay can be found by visiting
www.vancouver2010.com, or individuals can apply online at
www.iCoke.ca,
www.sogoactive.com or
www.rbc.com/carrythetorch.
On July 4, 2008, Newfoundland and Labrador announced it had joined
VANOC�s Contributing Province/Territory Program (CPTP), with a $1.5
million contribution toward Canadian athletes and the staging of the
2010 Winter Games. The investment includes $750,000 towards the Own the
Podium 2010 program, which supports Canadian athletes in their
preparation for the games, and $750,000 dedicated to ensuring the
province takes full advantage of a wide range of benefits and
opportunities designed to showcase this province, and all it has to
offer, on the national and world stage.
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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
2009 02 24
12:35 p.m.
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