Ringette Goalie to Carry Nova Scotia Flag

Ringette goalie Nicole Doucet of Bedford will carry the province's flag and lead Team Nova Scotia athletes into the opening ceremonies of the 2003 Canada Winter Games.

"To choose our flag bearer, we look for an athlete who demonstrates a strong commitment to sport, to the team, and to Nova Scotia," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Nicole's first priority is to support her team, and she's already becoming a goalie coach for young, up-and-coming athletes in Nova Scotia."

Ms. Doucet is a Grade 12 student at C.P. Allen High School. In addition to ringette, she plays ice and field hockey. She plans to continue playing at the university level while she pursues a degree in kinesiology.

"As long as we all do our best at the Games, we'll make Nova Scotia proud," said Ms. Doucet. "I encourage my fellow athletes to stay positive, support each other, and remember that they're part of a bigger team -- Team Nova Scotia."

The flag bearer was announced at a news conference today, Feb. 11, where the team uniform was also presented.

The four-piece uniform incorporates Team Nova Scotia's official colours -- royal blue, black and white. It includes a nylon waterproof jacket, cargo snow boarder-style pants, micro-fleece vest and micro-fibre baseball-style shirt.

The uniform was modelled by curler Corey Boudreau of Kentville and cross-country skier Lilla Roy of Fort Ellis. Team members wear the uniform for the opening and closing ceremonies, medal ceremonies and other official occasions.

The Games will run from Feb. 22 to March 8 in Bathurst- Campbellton, N.B. Team Nova Scotia will compete in 18 of the 21 sports represented during the two weeks of the Games. The team has 284 athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff.

Team Nova Scotia is funded by the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission, a division of the Office of Health Promotion. Team Nova Scotia sponsors include Avis, Spring Rain, ATV, and Aliant. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation sponsors Team Atlantic -- supporting all teams from Atlantic Canada for the 2003 Games.

For more information on Team Nova Scotia and its sponsors, visit the team Web site at http://winter2003.ns.canadagames.ca .