Elementary school teacher named as RBC’s first Atlantic Canadian Torchbearer

SYDNEY — Brenda Morrison, RBC’s first Atlantic Canadian Torchbearer, has pledged to create stronger communities by teaching her students about Olympic values and being a role model for personal health and fitness.

“I think that all athletes are amazing. It is inspiring to see how athletes push themselves to be the best they can be. The Olympic Games embody this spirit and I’d like to thank RBC for giving me the chance to be a part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay,” said Brenda Morrison. “I really enjoy coaching, being a mentor to my students and I am excited to share this experience with them.”

Morrison has been a teacher for 19 years and is presently teaching grade five at Sydney River Elementary School. She has been involved with sports all her life including soccer, hockey, basketball, track, volleyball and skiing and continues to give back through coaching. While focusing on Olympic values in the classroom, Morrison also hopes to reinforce the importance of good nutrition and staying active - good habits that if instilled at a young age will carry her students throughout their lifetime.

“We are pleased to announce Brenda Morrison as our first torchbearer in Atlantic Canada,” said Greg Grice, Atlantic Canada regional president, RBC. “Anyone can be part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. We encourage Atlantic Canadians to share in this thrill of a lifetime by entering our contest at rbc.com/carrythetorch for your chance to win the ultimate Olympic experience.”

“Brenda will be an excellent Ambassador for the Atlantic, her commitment to teaching and coaching young people is an inspiration,” said Minister Gary Lunn, Federal Minister of State for Sport. “I encourage all Canadians to embrace the Olympic spirit like she has and become a torchbearer. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay will be a unique opportunity to celebrate Canada’s athletes and unite Canadians with a sense of pride and excitement for what will truly be Canada’s Games in 2010.”

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, over 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 residents of Canada, aged 13 or older. Full contest rules and regulations are available on the website at rbc.com/carrythetorch.