Media/Photo Advisory - 2010 Olympic torchbearers selected by RBC bring the
Olympic spirit to Toronto

Olympic Flame bridges 74-year age gap

TORONTO , Dec. 15 /CNW/ - RBC's 2010 Olympic Torchbearer contest invited Canadians to Create a Better Canada by simply sharing their personal pledge to do something small or large in their daily lives to make Canada an even better place to live.

    
    What:     Media availability/photo opportunities with local Toronto RBC
              selected Olympic Torchbearers David Grant, World War II Veteran
              and Bilaal Rajan, internationally-recognized child and
              environmental activist (bios below)

    When and Where:

              David Grant's leg of the Olympic Torch Relay - December 17 at
              2:06 p.m. - Yonge St from Homewood Ave to 6002 Yonge St on
              Yonge St.

              Bilaal Rajan's leg of the Olympic Torch Relay - December 17
              at 6:35 p.m. leaving from a 10-minute route stop at SickKids
              hospital - Elizabeth St from Back Entrance of SickKids to
              SickKids Hospital staff entrance on University Ave.
    

David Grant:

In the RBC Carry the Torch Contest, David Grant pledged to continue his life-long dedication to Canada and his community by volunteering and giving freely of his time and talents.

"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 as 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 87 years of age, Grant continues to actively participate in Scottish dancing groups across Toronto .

Bilaal Rajan

Bilaal Rajan isn't your average 13 year-old boy. A tireless and internationally-recognized child and environmental activist, published author, globally-based motivational speaker, UNICEF children's ambassador and fundraiser, Bilaal founded an organization in 2004 to heighten awareness of youth issues and raise money to help kids in need everywhere (www.bilaalrajan.com).

Rajan's pledge to Create a Better Canada is to bring awareness of the environmental and social issues that Canada and the world faces today by inspiring and motivating youth to take action, however big or small, to make this world a better place for the children of tomorrow.

"My main goal is to have one million young people take action get involved in their communities and help protect our environment," said Bilaal Rajan. "The Olympics have such an important message of international cooperation and goodwill, and to participate in this event is just overwhelming. I can't wait.

"It's amazing knowing I will carry the same flame as thousands of others throughout our land from coast to coast."

RBC's national campaign - Create a better Canada - mobilizes Canadians of every age, gender, geography and cultural background to live the Olympic ideals and build a lasting legacy for their communities and the country. The pledges made by Canadians will contribute to the legacy of these Olympic 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 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

For further information: RBC Media Relations, Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, [email protected], [phone]; Judy Dobbs, Communications Director, RBC, [phone] or [email protected]