OTTAWA – The Canadian Olympic Committee has named Olympic bronze medalist Mark Oldershaw as the flag bearer to lead Team Canada’s largest ever Pan American Games delegation into the opening ceremonies at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games on July 10.

“I am bursting with pride at being named Canada’s flag bearer,” said Oldershaw. “As Team Canada marches into the Opening Ceremony for the Games, I will be thinking of all my teammates and of my grandfather, father and uncles who paved the way for me with their love of sport. I am so thankful for their support and the support of the Team Canada fans.”

Oldershaw is from Burlington, ON and grew up paddling at the Burloak Canoe Club in Oakville, ON. He is the fifth member of his family to compete at the Olympic Games and the first to make it to the podium. Oldershaw won bronze in the Men’s C1 1000m at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He will race the same event at the Canoe Sprint Pan American Games events at the Welland International Flatwater Centre from July 11 to 14. He is coached by his father, Scott Oldershaw, who is extremely proud to hear the news.

“As his coach, I am very happy to see him as flag bearer. He, along with many others, has worked very hard to get to this point, and it’s great to see that recognized,” Scott Oldershaw commented. “As his father, I am extremely proud and excited for him as I know this will be one of his career highlights. He’s an excellent choice for the honour.”

Mark Oldershaw is making a live appearance at the noon show of the Canada Day Celebration on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to share the excitement with fellow Canadians. Madeleine Hall, President of CanoeKayak Canada says today’s announcement is one more reason to celebrate being Canadian.

“Mark is a tremendous ambassador of what paddling – and sport as a whole – is all about.  It’s about hard work and doing something you love. It’s also about giving back and inspiring others by wearing the maple leaf with exemplary pride. We are so proud to have such amazing athletes and role models like Mark. I am just thrilled that he will be leading our team into the Pan American Games in front of the home crowd.”

CanoeKayak Canada is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada. The organization’s vision is to be a Canadian sport for families, communities and champions. From supporting clubs to developing a competitive National Team, CanoeKayak Canada works to grow a sport which is a rich part of Canada’s heritage.

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Media Contact:

Ian Miller
Communications and Marketing Officer, CanoeKayak Canada
613.314.1352
imiller@canoekayak.ca