RBC names WWII RCAF veteran as first Ontario Torchbearer
TORONTO, February 12, 2009 — David Grant, who
pledged to continue his life-long dedication to Canada and
his community by volunteering and giving freely of his time
and talents, is RBC's first Ontario Torchbearer.
"I am extremely proud to receive this honour,"
said David Grant. "My story of sacrifice for Canada and
the rewarding life I have had in return has shown me how much
I want to give back to my community and how great this country
can be. It is exciting to be part of something so extraordinary
as the Olympic Torch Relay and I want to thank RBC for this
opportunity."
Grant served in World War II for the Royal Canadian Air
Force and on his return wanted to make sure that others would
see the positive side of human nature. Through Canada's Department
of Veterans Affairs, Grant studied at the University of Toronto
and Osgoode Hall to become a lawyer, a career which enabled
him to give back to the community later in life. He has also
volunteered his time as an executive for the Junior Board
of Trade, the United Way, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
and the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. At 86 years
of age, Grant continues to actively participate in Scottish
dancing groups across Toronto.
"Anyone can be part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
We encourage Ontarians to share in this thrill of a lifetime
by entering our contest at rbc.com/carrythetorch
to be a torchbearer and win the ultimate Olympic experience,"
said Jennifer Tory, Regional president, Greater Toronto Region,
RBC. "We are pleased to announce David Grant as our first
Ontario Torchbearer."
RBC will award over 2,300 Olympic Torchbearer spots through
this contest with the majority of the spots selected by random
draw on April 17, 2009 and the remaining spots on July 22,
2009. The first draw is the best chance to be a 2010 Olympic
Torchbearer, enter today at rbc.com/carrythetorch.
The Olympic Flame is lit in a traditional ceremony in Olympia,
Greece, and will then be transported to Canada. The 2010 Olympic
Torch Relay will begin its cross-Canada journey from Victoria,
British Columbia, on October 30, 2009, and will travel from
coast to coast to coast through every province and territory
- spanning 45,000 kilometres and 1,000 communities over 100
days. It will end at B.C. Place, in Vancouver, 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 Olympic 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.
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For more information, please contact:
Katie Hammill, Stellick Marketing, 416-603-9452 ext. 303
Jackie Braden, RBC Media Relations, 416-974-2124
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