RBC’s first Quebec Torchbearer announced

MONTREAL — Sue McLennan, the first Quebec Torchbearer selected by RBC, has pledged to promote active and environmentally-friendly living both in her own family and within her community.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I want to thank RBC for giving me the chance to be a part of it. I love what the Olympic Games and the Olympic Torch Relay stand for-how they bring everyone together,” said Sue McLennan. “I am so proud to carry the Olympic Flame for my country, but also for my girls. Our children are our future and it is important that children understand and have a connection with nature and take responsibility for it.”

McLennan has become a dedicated environmentalist and is looking to make a difference in her home town. She is currently working with her daughter’s school to launch a committee that encourages the school community to foster environmental responsibility. Her ultimate goal is to re-establish recycling and composting programs and initiate ’green education’ sessions for students. McLennan’s other passion is running and trains with a local triathlon club. She hopes that by living a balanced, healthy lifestyle, she will have a positive impact on those around her.

“RBC’s Carry the Torch contest is a wonderful way for all Canadians to participate in the Olympic Games,” said Bernard Crevier, regional vice-president, Quebec Region, RBC. “We invite all Canadians to take this opportunity and be a part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay by making a pledge online at rbc.com/carrythetorch. Sue McLennan is a great example of how anyone can be an Olympic Torchbearer.”

RBC will award over 2,300 Olympic Torchbearer spots through this contest which runs from November 21, 2008 to July 15, 2009. To enter, pledge to create a better Canada at rbc.com/carrythetorch.

The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will begin its journey to Vancouver on October 30, 2009, when the flame arrives in Victoria, BC following the traditional lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece. The Olympic Flame will then travel from coast to coast to coast through every province and territory in Canada - spanning 45,000 kilometres, 1,000 communities, over 106 days. It will end at the B.C. Place on February 12, 2010, with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, signaling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Approximately 12,000 Canadians will carry the flame across the country at their own pace with millions more cheering and supporting them. Applicants will be asked to select where in Canada they want to carry the Olympic Flame. Torchbearer applicants must be a resident of Canada, aged 13 or older. Full contest rules and regulations are available on the website at rbc.com/carrythetorch.