Sinclair named Canada’s flag bearer for Pan American Games

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) introduced footballer Christine Sinclair as Canada’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies of the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. The names of the entire 2011 Canadian Pan American Team were released at an event in Toronto, ON.



“I look forward to carrying the maple leaf for the Opening Ceremonies at the upcoming Pan American Games,” said Sinclair. “I’m honoured and deeply moved to have been chosen as Canada’s flag bearer. On behalf the entire team, I will proudly wave the Canadian flag and represent our country in a way that makes the entire country proud.”



Captain of Canada’s Women’s National Team, Sinclair is the most prolific goal-scorer in Canadian soccer history. She has participated in three FIFA Women’s World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011), one Women’s Olympic Football Tournament (2008), and one previous Pan American Games (bronze in 2007). At the professional level, she has won back-to-back Women’s Professional Soccer championships, earning championship MVP honours earlier this year in August.



Sinclair will lead a team of 493 athletes into Omnilife Stadium, representing all 10 provinces and the Northwest Territories. Canada’s 2011 Pan American Games athlete delegation is Canada’s second largest at any Pan American Games, trailing only the 618 athletes that participated in 1999 in Winnipeg. The Canadian Pan American Team will be supported by 301 support staff.



“In just over a week, led by Christine Sinclair, Canadians will be inspired as our team of athletes enters the stadium for the opening ceremony,” said COC President Marcel Aubut. “Our athletes will take centre stage, competing for national pride, Pan American medals and, in some cases, Olympic qualification for their sports.”