Wheelchair Rugby legend Garett Hickling named Flag Bearer for Team Canada at the London 2012 Paralympic Games

LONDON, Aug. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Wheelchair rugby player Garett Hickling, a five-time Paralympian and three-time Paralympic medallist, has been named Opening Ceremony flag bearer for Team Canada at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Hickling is one of the greatest wheelchair rugby players in the world. He was tournament MVP at the first three World Championships held in the sport and has competed in every Paralympics that wheelchair rugby has been included in - since 1996.

"I'm very, very, very surprised," said Hickling, who found out last night via Skype, surrounded by his teammates. "This wasn't something I had even thought of or considered. I'm just ecstatic being able to play in the Paralympics, and to be able to do something like this is just phenomenal. I don't know if I'm still in a daze or a dream. I probably will be smiling ear to ear and just try to hold that flag up high and represent Canada as best I can."

Born in Mica Creek, B.C., Hickling's hometown is Kelowna, B.C. He recently moved to Dorchester, Ont. (near London, Ont.) to train with teammate David Willsie. While there, he developed a love of coaching and was instrumental in starting a new team in Toronto. Hickling is a quiet leader of Team Canada and his experience will be key in the team's quest for gold.

Selection criteria for the opening ceremony flag bearer require that the athlete exhibit a commitment to fair play; be respected as a role model by other athletes; maintain an exemplary standard of behaviour and have made a contribution to Paralympic sport and the sporting community.

"Garett exemplifies all these qualities and more," said Chef de Mission Gaetan Tardif. "He is one of the most feared athletes in the sport, yet also exceptionally humble. He is respected by athletes throughout Canada and the world. I know our Canadian Team will be proud to follow Garrett into the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday."

Canada has a total of 145 athletes competing in 15 sports at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9. The full team list and media guide are available at www.paralympic.ca/london2012.

The flag bearer announcement came before the team was treated to a show of eclectic song and dance performances at the official Team Welcome Ceremony in the Paralympic Village Plaza.

"Today we welcome the Canadian Paralympic Team to the Athletes' Village in London as they gear up to compete against the best athletes in the world," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada, I want to wish all of our amazing athletes the very best of success as they begin their journey to the podium."

Note to Editors: Broadcast-standard video and mp3 files are available for media download via SendtoNews: www.sendtonews.com. Still images are available via www.paralympic.ca/imagebank.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations.

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Audio with caption: "Canadian Flagbearer Garett Hickling ". Audio available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2012/08/26/20120826_C9644_AUDIO_EN_17232.mp3

SOURCE: CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (CPC)

For further information:

Alison Korn
Press Chief / Chef de Presse
Canadian Paralympic Team / Equipe paralympique canadien
London : 07510 875 867
[e-mail]

Judy Joseph-Black
Assistant Press Chief / Chef de Presse adjointe
Canadian Paralympic Team / Equipe paralympique canadien
London : 07510 875 869
[e-mail]

Wheelchair Rugby, Goalball (Men & Women)

Carrie Croft | Press Attaché Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail] | Skype ID: Croftca

Website, Social Media, Photos, Videos Julia Frappier | CPC Communications Staff Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail] | Skype ID: julia_frappier