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.