Katarina Roxon to Represent Canada at 2012 Paralympics

Paralympic swimmer Katarina Roxon will represent Canada in swimming at the 2012 Summer Paralympics Games in London this August. This will be Ms. Roxon’s second time participating in the Paralympic Games.

“At the age of 19, Katarina has established herself as a tremendously dedicated, determined, and award-winning athlete,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “Making the Canadian Paralympic Team for a second time is a significant accomplishment. I congratulate Katarina and wish her the best of luck as she prepares to compete in the world’s most prestigious athletic event.”

Ms. Roxon qualified to make the 24-member team after she won a gold medal in the 100-metre butterfly and a bronze in the 100-metre breaststroke at the Canadian Olympic trials in Montreal earlier this year.

“I feel absolutely thrilled to be selected for a second Paralympics Games to represent Canada and our province,” said Katarina Roxon. “Training is going on well, even though it is hard. I want to make Canada and our province proud. I am eagerly anticipating competing with the best in the world. I still have a little nervousness, but I’m using it to push myself harder. It is such a blessing that I have so many people here at home and around the world who have been supporting and encouraging me over the years and I would like to thank each one personally for being there for me.”

A native of Kippens, Ms. Roxon has won numerous awards in provincial, national and world swimming events. She was first named to the Canadian Paralympic Team in 2008 and was the only Newfoundlander and Labradorian represented at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. In 2010, she competed at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. The Commonwealth Games is the only international, multi-sport event where athletes with a disability are fully integrated into the competition program.

For more information about the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, visit www.london2012.com/paralympic-sport 

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity – Responsible Investments for a Secure Future provides $8.6 million to support recreation and sport in the province. Since the launch of the Provincial Government’s recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), more than $70 million has been committed to recreational and sport infrastructure, programming, and athlete development throughout the province.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca 

2012 06 07             4:35 p.m.