March 14, 2006 – (Melbourne, Australia) — It’s a first for a Canadian team at a Commonwealth, Olympic or Pan American Games.

An elite athlete with a disability will carry Canada’s flag into the Opening Ceremonies at the 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.

The selection of wheelchair athlete Chantal Petitclerc of Montreal, QC, was announced at a formal event to honour Canadian athletes on the eve of the Melbourne Games.

“It’s so fitting that I would be given this honour at a Commonwealth Games,” said Petitclerc after the announcement. “In Manchester in 2002, EAD (Elite Athletes with a Disability) results were included in each country’s medal total. This announcement is further proof of how inclusive the Commonwealth Games really are.”

Paralyzed in both legs since the age of 13, Petitclerc is Canada’s most decorated Paralympian. Since the 1992 Paralympic Summer Games in Barcelona, she has earned a total of 16 medals, including five gold at the 2004 Games in Athens.

She is the current world-record holder in the 100m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m and is the defending Commonwealth Games champion at the 800m distance.

“Chantal Petitclerc is an inspiration to all Canadians,” added Dr. Ross Outerbridge, Chef de Mission for the Canadian team. “I can’t imagine a more fitting or more deserving flag bearer to represent us — and the entire country — at these Opening Ceremonies.”

“I never imagined having such an incredible opportunity,” said Petitclerc, 36. “I hope it inspires other athletes with a disability to realize that anything is possible.”

Petitclerc will lead more than 200 Canadian athletes into the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday evening. She will begin competition on Tuesday, March 21st in the 800m wheelchair race.