RBC helps bring the 2010 Olympic Torch to Gatineau

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 27 /CNW Telbec/ - Many of the 2010 Olympic Torchbearers, including Mr. Philippe Marion , president, Gatineau Chamber of Commerce, have been selected by RBC following a contest held earlier this year. The lucky winners were selected on the strength of their community involvement, such as their work in protecting the environment or with a charitable organization.

"There are 14 individuals from Gatineau who will carry the Olympic Torch in the area when it passes through here on December 11 and 12. They were all chosen by RBC. These torchbearers are a source of inspiration for all of us because they show what each of us can do to improve our quality of life and leave a long-lasting legacy to our communities," declared Sylvie Philibert , Manager at the RBC Royal Bank Place Cartier Branch in Gatineau.

"We invite the entire population of Gatineau to take part in the community celebrations along the Torch Relay route," continued Ms. Philibert . "Come and participate in RBC's 'Create a Better Canada ' Experience. Through interactive exhibits, you will be encouraged to lead more active lifestyles and live more sustainably."

At the heart of the celebration will be an interactive mobile sustainable living exhibit, the RBC Eco-Home. In addition, four tents will accompany the RBC Eco-Home to help demonstrate RBC's commitment to living sustainably through healthy, active lifestyles and stronger communities.

They will be able to have their photo taken with the 2010 Olympic Torch and meet Quebec Olympians who are also spokespersons for RBC. Interactive simulation games, such as hockey shootouts and snowboarding, will also be available. Finally, they will be invited to enter a contest for a chance to win $25,000 towards an eco-friendly renovation.

Approximately 12,000 Canadians will carry the flame across the country with millions more cheering and supporting them. The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay began its journey in British Columbia, after a traditional lighting ceremony in Greece on October 30, 2009 . The Olympic Flame will travel from coast to coast to coast through every province and territory in Canada - spanning 45,000 kilometres and over 1,000 communities over the course of 106 days. It will end at B.C. Place on February 12, 2010 , with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, signalling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

As Canada's longest-standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1947, RBC is a Premier National Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and proud to bring the Olympic Spirit to communities across Canada as Presenting Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. To see how 2010 Olympic Torchbearers, selected by RBC, are making a difference in their communities, visit rbc.com/carrythetorch.

The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For more information see the COC website: www.olympic.ca.

For further information: Raymond Chouinard, RBC, [phone], [email protected]