Newmarket announces Olympic Torchbearer

Newmarket resident Clare Kowaltschuk to carry the Flame

NEWMARKET, Ontario, October 30, 2009 - Today, in honour of the Olympic Flame beginning its 106-day journey across the nation, the Town of Newmarket announced its Olympic torchbearer at a special celebration at the Upper Canada Mall. Local resident Clare Kowaltschuk will carry the Olympic Torch on behalf of Newmarket when it travels through the community on December 18, 2009.

"Heroes come in all different shapes and sizes, Clare is our home grown hero", says Mayor Tony  Van Bynen. "Clare is truly representative of strength, courage and perseverance - qualities that embody us as a community and the spirit of the Olympic Games."

Clare, who resides in Newmarket with her husband Adam and son Nathan, is an active member of the community. She is often found at the local Farmer's Market, or strolling down Main Street or the Tom Taylor Trail. As an avid sports fan as both a player and coach, Clare has always had a special passion for the Olympics.

Most recently, in her fight against breast cancer, Clare has dedicated herself to breast cancer awareness and to encouraging women of all ages to be tested.

Clare's extensive travels have led her to the top of the Himalayas in Nepal, to Japan, Australia, Africa and back home again. Although she has traveled to exotic places all over the world Clare's favourite place to be is home in Newmarket spending time with neighbours, friends and family.

"After having the opportunity to visit numerous countries and see other people, places and cultures, I now realize that the Olympics are about so much more than just sport" says Clare Kowaltschuk. "The Olympics represent the unity of nations, putting differences aside and coming together. It is a tremendous honour to carry the Torch on behalf of Newmarket and to be a part of something so significant."

Clare was selected as the Torchbearer by the Olympic Torch Celebration Committee which is comprised of Town Council and staff members and community representatives.

"Clare is a true inspiration and she symbolizes what we stand for as a community", says Ward 4 Councillor Larry Blight who sits on the Olympic Torch Celebration Committee. "We are proud and honoured to have her represent Newmarket on December 18."

Newmarket is one of only 200 communities across Canada that has been selected as a celebration community. Newmarket will welcome the Flame at a community-wide celebration on December 18, 2009 at the Town of Newmarket Magna Centre (800 Mulock Drive). Festivities will begin at 9:45 a.m.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay route will be the longest domestic Torch Relay in Olympic history, stretching over 45,000 kilometres throughout Canada. Upon its conclusion, the Olympic Flame will have been welcomed in over 1,000 communities across the country.

For more information about Newmarket's Olympic Torch Celebration, please visit www.newmarket.ca.

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Media contact:
Amber Harrison, Senior Communications Specialist
Tel: 905-953-5300, ext. 2046 ? E-mail: aharrison@newmarket.ca