June, 19, 2009

OTTAWA - Diver Alexandre Despatie, one of Canada’s premier elite athletes, was named today as Team Canada Flagbearer for the Opening Ceremonies of the XIII FINA World Aquatic Championships being held in Rome, Italy, July 18th – August 2nd.

The only diver in history to be world champion in all individual events in the 1m, 3m and 10m, Alex has won a total of six medals at the World Championships in four visits competing in 2003, 2005 and 2007. He won two silver medals in the past two Olympics as well as three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

“Alexandre Despatie is the best all-round male diver that Canada has ever produced,” says Margie Schuett, Chef de Mission of the more than 110 Canadian athletes, coaches and support staff attending the world championships in Rome. “Not only is his performance consistent and of the highest competitive caliber, but the interaction and support he offers to the other athletes is what is really inspiring to see in someone so young. He is truly an athlete who is as unspoiled, outgoing and generous of spirit as I have seen in the over 30 years I have been involved in the Canadian amateur sport scene.”

“Alex leads by example through his work ethic as well as his consistent performance in the pool,” says Bill Hogan, President of the Aquatic Federation of Canada. “He is being recognized not only for his outstanding athletic ability, but also for the fact that he is an excellent role model and spokesperson who embodies the values of the Aquatic Federation of Canada.”

“He is an amazing young man who represents our country, his fellow athletes and of course his family and friends with a presence not often seen, even in a seasoned professional,” adds Hogan.

The position of flag-bearer for the World Aquatic Championships will provide Alexandre with the honour of carrying Canada’s flag in the Opening Ceremonies at the Stadio dei Marmi, in an historic part of Rome, on July 18th before a television audience of millions.

“There are so many great athletes in aquatic sports who will be representing Canada at the FINA World Championships that it’s a real privilege and an honour for me—and for the sport of diving—to have been chosen to carry the flag,” says Alexandre Despatie. “The World Championships have often been high points in my career, such as the 2005 Championships in Montreal, and this will certainly be on my mind during the parade. I’m really excited to get to Rome, along with all the other Canadian athletes.”

The selection committee made its assessment based on three areas of emphasis: 50% athletic achievement; 30% leadership in the sport community and 20% on community involvement. The committee included athletes from the various aquatic sports who actually made the final selection.

Schuett emphasizes, “This position will not interfere with the major task of competition, which is the primary focus of any athlete attending such a prestigious competition. We feel the early notification of the selection should enable the athlete to better prepare for the competition while at the same time enjoy and appreciate the honour and distinction of being selected flagbearer for Team Canada.”

The 2009 World Aquatic Championships is being hailed as one of the most exciting athletic competitions this summer. Rome will be hosting 2,800 athletes from 200 nations over 17 days of competition. A total of 400,000 spectators are expected to attend and watch the ‘best of the best’ in world aquatics.

The FINA World Championships began in Belgrade (YUG) in 1973 and had the participation of 696 athletes from 47 countries.