October
17, 2000
The
Paralympic Games take place October 18-29, 2000
Sydney, Australia- An elite
competition for the worlds top athletes with a disbility, takes
place from Oct. 18-29, 2000 in Sydney, Australia. The passion
grit and determination of Paralympians will inspire the world
as they compete in the XI Summer Paralympic Games.
Gary Longhi was introduced
as the Flag Bearer for the 2000 Canadian Paralympic Team at
the Canadian Team Reception October 16th in Sydney, Australia.
Gary, a member of the cycling team, will lead a record 162 Canadian
athletes in the Opening Ceremonies of the XI Summer Paralympic
Games, which get underway Wednesday, October 18th, 2000.
The atmosphere was electric as Gary was introduced in front
of his fellow athletes and a packed house of Canadian supporters
at the Team Reception. Gary was overwhelmed by the honour of
being selected to represent the Canadian Team.
These are Gary's fourth Paralympic Games. A resident of Montreal,
Quebec, Gary's recent accomplishments heading into Sydney include
winning this years Canadian Championship Time Trail and
finishing second in the Road Race. He returned from the Atlanta
Games with a gold and bronze medal in 1996 and is hoping to
step on the podium again in Sydney. How does he plan to accomplish
that? By being happy and healthy, by having fun and by biking
very fast! said Gary.
The Flag bearer selection committee is designed to ensure that
all sports have a voice in the selection. After consulting the
Canadian Paralympic Committee selection criteria, each sport
is invited to submit a written nomination on behalf of one athlete.
After receiving the nominations, the Chef de Mission then appoints
a panel composed of two athletes, a coach, the Director of Games
Missions and the Chef. Finally the panel considers both the
selection criteria and the nomination form submitted by the
sport in making the final decision.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is a non-profit, charitable
private corporation recognized by the International Paralympic
Committee (IPC) since 1989. As such, the CPC is responsible
for coordinating all aspects of Canada's participation in the
Paralympic Games.
Visit our web site
at www.paralympic.ca.
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