RBC invites Canadians to be a 2010 Olympic Torchbearer by
pledging to create a better Canada
TORONTO, November 21, 2008 — RBC today announced
its 2010 Olympic Torchbearer contest where more than 2,000
Canadians can win the chance of a lifetime to carry the torch
and be a part of the Olympic celebration.
RBC is inviting all Canadians to "Create a Better Canada"
by simply sharing their personal pledge online to do something
small or large in their daily lives that will make Canada
an even better place to live. Canadians who make their pledge
online at www.rbc.com/carrythetorch
will automatically have a chance to become a 2010 Olympic
Torchbearer.
"We are proud to bring the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay
to millions of people in hundreds of communities across the
country," said Gordon M. Nixon, RBC president and CEO.
"By asking Canadians to create a better Canada, we will
harness the energy of the Olympic Games to positively influence
the lives of all Canadians."
The Olympic Torch Relay will begin its journey to Vancouver
on
October 30, 2009, with the traditional lighting ceremony in
Olympia, Greece. The torch will then travel from coast to
coast to coast through every province and territory in Canada
- spanning 45,000 kilometers and 1,000 communities in over
100 days. It will end at 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 torch across
the country at their own pace with millions more cheering
and supporting them. Contestants will be asked to select where
in Canada they want to run with the torch.
"This is a chance for all Canadians to make a mark on
Olympic history while making a difference to their communities
and our country. Together, we can build a lasting legacy that
creates a better Canada," Nixon said. More than 55,000
employees, 1,200 branches and offices across Canada will help
bring the Olympic spirit to every community.
To enter, Canadians can pledge to create a better Canada
online at www.rbc.com/carrythetorch.
You must be a resident of Canada, aged 13 or older. Full contest
rules and regulations are available on the website.
RBC and Amateur Sport
As part of our commitment to helping create a better Canada,
RBC sponsors amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local
communities to national sport associations that support the
development of amateur athletes who compete at home and abroad.
Canada's longest-standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic
Team since 1947, RBC continues its sponsorship through the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and is
proud to bring the Olympic Spirit to communities across Canada
as co-presenting sponsor of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch
Relay. RBC is also a premier sponsor of Hockey Canada, the
Canadian Snowboard Team, the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team,
Athletics Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Visit
www.rbc.com/sponsorship.
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For more information, please contact:
Jackie Braden, (416) 974-2124
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