Media Advisory - Reception to honour Benoit Huot - Benoit Huot receives the prestigious James-Worrall Flag Bearer Award

MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - What do Joannie Rochette, Clara Hughes, Chantal Petitclerc and Benoit Huot have in common? They are all recipients of the James-Worrall Flag Bearer Award, presented by Petro-Canada, a Suncor Energy business.

In keeping with this tradition, Petro-Canada will highlight Benoit Huot's memorable performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games during an intimate evening ceremony in his honour. The athlete's family, friends, partners and fellow athletes will attend the function.

"Benoit's athletic career has been nothing short of remarkable, he embodies the very values athletes stand for." explains Deborah Gullaher, Vice-President, Marketing, Suncor Energy. "For all these reasons, we are honoured to present him with the James-Worrall Flag Bearer Award, a Canadian symbol of excellence."

"Receiving this honour is a marvellous way to cap the adventure that the London Paralympic Games have been for me. I have been floating on a cloud since I've gotten back and that will continue with this tribute evening, where I will be surrounded by the people closest to me as I receive this award. It warms my heart to know my name will appear on the same trophy as those of athletes I admire, such as Chantal Petitclerc, Joannie Rochette and Clara Hughes," says Benoit.

Media are invited to come meet Benoit Huot on Thursday, November 22, between 5 and 5:30 p.m. There will also be a photo op on the 2^nd floor mezzanine of Montreal's Sofitel hotel, at 1155 Sherbrooke St. West.

About James Worrall
Since 2002, Petro-Canada has presented the James-Worrall Flag Bearer Award to every Canadian flag bearer who has led the country's team into the opening and closing ceremonies at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

James Worrall is an Olympic and Canadian sports legend. He participated in the 1936 Berlin Games and proudly represented Canada as flag bearer. A consummate sportsman, Mr. Worrall went on to become an ambassador and leader for Canada's Olympic movement.

AT A GLANCE

What:
Benoit Huot receives the prestigious Petro-Canada James-Worrall Flag Bearer Award

Who:
Deborah Gullaher, Vice-President Marketing, Suncor Energy
Benoit Huot, multiple Paralympic swimming medallist
Athletes present:

• Alexandre Bilodeau
• Chantal Petitclerc
• Émilie Heymans
• Roseline Filion
• Marie-Pierre Gagné
• Hugues Fournel

When:
Thursday, November 22, 2012
5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - interviews with Benoit and athletes in attendance

Where:        
Sofitel - 2^nd floor mezzanine
1155 Sherbrooke St. W.
Montreal, Québec

SOURCE: CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (CPC)

For further information or to confirm your attendance:
Marie-Annick L'Allier
[email protected]
514-507-6299
Cell: 514-983-8236