Rio 2016: Aurélie Rivard named Team Canada flag bearer for Closing Ceremony

-Swimmer won three gold and one silver medal in Rio-

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Sept. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Triple gold medallist swimmer Aurélie Rivard (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.) will carry the flag tonight for Team Canada at the Closing Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Team Canada Chef de Mission Chantal Petitclerc announced Rivard as flagbearer in Rio this morning, praising her for winning four medals and setting two world records during the swimming competition.

"Aurélie came to Rio completely prepared and ready to deliver," said Petitclerc. "She performed at a world-class level consistently in the pool, breaking several records and leading by example in her professionalism and focus. I am extremely proud of Aurélie and I am a great admirer of her character, her perseverance and dedication to excellence."

Competing in her second Paralympic Games, the 20-year-old Rivard won gold in the S10 50-metre freestyle and the S10 400-m freestyle, setting world records in each. She also won the S10 100-m freestyle in a Paralympic Games record and came second in the S10 200-m individual medley.

"This is such an honour," said Rivard, who was born missing her left hand. "I would have never imagined myself carrying the flag at the Games when I started swimming. We saw some great performances for our team and many people deserve this. So many legends have done it. I'm thrilled that I'm part of history."

The Closing Ceremony starts at 8 p.m. BRT at Maracana Stadium.

ABOUT TEAM CANADA IN RIO: Canada has a team of 162 athletes competing in 19 sports at the Paralympic Games, Sept. 7 to 18. For more information visit: paralympic.ca/team-canada-rio-2016

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee: paralympic.ca

Follow the Canadian Paralympic Team:
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SOURCE Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)

Jim Morris, Swimming media attaché, Rio cell: + 55 21 990 321039, Email: [email protected]; Alison Korn, Senior Manager, Media Relations and Communications, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Rio cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]