Executive Council
September 20, 2016

Recognizing Newfoundland and Labrador’s Athletes

Gold Medallist Katarina Roxon Honoured for Paralympic Achievements

In recognition of the achievements of Paralympic Gold medallist, Katarina Roxon, the Provincial Government is naming Route 490 Roxon Way. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today at an event at Confederation Building to acknowledge the success of Ms. Roxon at the Rio 2016 Paralympics Games.

“We are all very proud of the recent accomplishments of Newfoundland and Labrador’s own Katarina Roxon at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Naming Route 490, which leads into the region of her hometown, is a way to celebrate Katarina’s outstanding performance and the exemplary way in which she represented this province. She is an inspiration to all of our young athletes.”
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Ms. Roxon, from Kippens, Newfoundland and Labrador, won the Gold medal in the 100 Metre Breaststroke, finished 7 in the 200 metre individual medley event and helped Canada to a 5 place finish in the 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay and in the 4 x 100 metre medley relay.

“Not only is Katarina Roxon a leader within her sport, she's also a community leader and a role model to residents of the Bay St. George region, the province and the country. In naming Route 490 after this phenomenal athlete, we ensure that her remarkable success on the world stage will never be forgotten.”
- John Finn, MHA for Stephenville – Port au Port

During her swimming career, Ms. Roxon has won numerous international medals including six medals at the 2015 Parapan Am Games. This was Ms. Roxon’s first Gold medal in a Paralympic games, the second biggest sporting event in the world, after the Olympic Games.

To learn about Ms. Roxon and her achievements, visit: //paralympic.ca/katarina-roxon .

QUICK FACTS

• Route 490 is being named Roxon Way in honour of the accomplishments of Paralympic Gold medallist, Katarina Roxon.
• Ms. Roxon, from Kippens, Newfoundland and Labrador, won the Gold medal in the 100 metre breaststroke at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
• The Paralympic games are the second biggest sporting event in the world, after the Olympic Games.
• To learn about Ms. Roxon and her achievements, visit: //paralympic.ca/katarina-roxon .

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2016 09 20                              4:00 p.m.