Erica Noonan of Stephenville, three-time 2009 Canada Games silver medalist in swimming, has been selected to represent Newfoundland and Labrador as the province's official torchbearer during the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay. She will carry the flame tomorrow (Wednesday, March 3) in Ottawa.

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today congratulated Ms. Noonan for being selected as one of the 600 relay torchbearers.

"To be chosen to represent the province in the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay is an honour," said Minister French. "Not only are the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games about celebrating the remarkable performances of our country's dedicated paralympians, they also recognize the importance of the paralympic movement. As Ms. Noonan carries the flame in our nation's capital, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be cheering her on and taking pride in all of our parathletes, both past and present."

Beginning in Ottawa, the 10-day relay will visit several celebration sites before arriving at BC Place in Vancouver for the opening of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games on March 12.

Ms. Noonan, who was Team Newfoundland and Labrador's flagbearer for the closing ceremonies at the Canada Summer Games in August, won three silver medals in women's SWAD (swimmer with a disability) – the 100-metre breaststroke, 100-metre butterfly and 200-metre individual medley.

For more information about the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay and the Paralympic Games, please visit: www.vancouver2010.com.

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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