MONTREAL, Nov. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - Raymond Garneau, former Quebec finance minister, has accepted RBC's invitation to be a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer when the Olympic Flame comes to Candiac on December 8, 2009.
"I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to carry the torch, because I was closely involved with the financing of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games when I was Quebec's finance minister," Mr. Garneau explained. "It's a great personal honour that reminds me of the unique experience we've been through, 33 years ago."
Many of the 2010 Olympic Torchbearers, notably in the Montreal area, have been selected by RBC following a contest held earlier this year. The lucky winners were selected on the strength of their community involvement, such as their work in protecting the environment or with a charitable organization.
Mr. Garneau has worked as volunteer president of the Montreal Cancer Institute (ICM) for the past six years. ICM is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help fund cancer research and provide scholarships to pave the way for up-and-coming researchers in this field. In 2007, Mr. Garneau launched a benefit concert series, called "Concerts Against Cancer," which has helped finance a new program to combat the brain drain.
"I will be pleased to donate the Olympic Torch I will carry on December 8 to the ICM so that it may be sold at the silent auction following the 'Concert Against Cancer' event at Place des Arts on February 5, 2010," added Mr. Garneau.
The Olympic Flame will make its journey across Quebec, primarily between November 29 and December 12, 2009.
Approximately 12,000 Canadians will carry the flame across the country with millions more cheering and supporting them. The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay began its journey to Vancouver on October 30, 2009, when the flame arrived in British Columbia following a traditional lighting ceremony in Greece. The Olympic Flame then embarked on its journey from coast to coast through every province and territory in Canada - spanning 45,000 kilometres and over 1,000 communities over the course of 106 days. It will end at B.C. Place on February 12, 2010, with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, signalling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
As Canada's longest-standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1947, RBC is a Premier National Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and proud to bring the Olympic Spirit to communities across Canada as presenting partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
SOURCE RBC Royal Bank
For further information: For further information: Raymond Chouinard, RBC, (514) 874-6556, raymond.chouinard@rbc.com
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