Rebecca Power, who competes in the sport of competitive sailing, has been named the flagbearer for Team Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2009 Canada Summer Games, to be held August 15-29 in Prince Edward Island.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, made the announcement at the Team Newfoundland and Labrador�s athletes� rally, held Wednesday evening, July 29, at the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre (Powerplex) in St. John�s.

"Being selected as the flagbearer for Team Newfoundland and Labrador is an honour," said Minister Jackman. "Congratulations Rebecca. I have no doubt you will represent Team Newfoundland and Labrador and the province proudly."

Ms. Power has been competing in the sport of sailing for eight years and has been recognized nationally and internationally for her achievements. This will be her second time competing in the Canada Games.

Minister Jackman also congratulated all the Canada Games athletes for their hard work and dedicated efforts in preparation for the competition.

"Our athletes are to be commended for their pursuit of excellence as they prepare and train to compete at one of the country�s most esteemed athletic events," said Minister Jackman. "Thanks also to the many volunteer coaches, managers, mission staff and parents for their tireless commitment in helping our athletes develop their talents and skills."

Prior to the start of the games, Minister Jackman will participate in a national meeting in Charlottetown of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for sport, recreation and physical activity. In addition to attending the FPT meetings, Minister Jackman will also participate in the Games� opening ceremonies and several other events.

The Canada Games were established in 1967 and Newfoundland and Labrador has been represented at every event since. The games are held every two years, alternating summer and winter. The province hosted the 1977 Canada Summer Games in St. John's and the 1999 Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook.

Almost 400 athletes, volunteer coaches, managers and mission staff will participate in the 2009 Canada Summer Games from Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more information about Team Newfoundland and Labrador and the 2009 Canada Summer Games, visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/canadagames

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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 

A native of St. John�s, Rebecca Power has been involved in the sport of sailing for 11 years and competing for eight. She is currently in her second year of studies with the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia and trains with the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club High Performance Race Team. In 2006, Rebecca finished 2^nd at the Canadian Yachting Association Youth Nationals and, in 2008, was named the top female in youth category at the Canadian Laser Sailing Championships. She also finished 2^nd overall and was named top female at the Pumpkin Bowl Regatta in Vancouver last year.

Rebecca recently travelled to Vancouver and Oregon to compete in regattas on the Pacific Coast Sailing Circuit. At the Canadian Laser Championships in Vancouver, she finished 2^nd in the female category and 13^th overall. In Oregon, at District 6 Championships (North Western Championships), she was named top female, and finished 5^th overall.

This will be Rebecca�s second time competing at the Canada Games. In addition to her numerous awards, she has also received the Team Gushue Scholarship for her achievements in both athletic and academic excellence, and a Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship to assist with financial costs associated with training and competition.