Women's soccer star Christine Sinclair was named to be Canada's flag-bearer for the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, to be held later this month. Sinclair, 28, is the captain and all-time leading goal scorer for the Canada women's national team.

 

 

 

"I'm honoured and deeply moved to have been chosen as Canada's flag-bearer," Sinclair said in a statement released by the Canadian Olympic committee, which is overseeing the country's delegation for the Pan Am Games. "On behalf of the entire team, I will proudly wave the Canadian flag and represent our country in a way that makes the country proud."

 

Sinclair helped her team win the bronze medal at the last Pan Am Games, held in 2007 in Rio. She scored the opening goal in Canada's 2-1 victory over Mexico in the third-place match. Canada lost its chance to play for gold when it fell 2-1 to the United States in the semifinals. "We were disappointed with that," Sinclair said in an interview Tuesday with CBC News Network. "We're determined to do better this time around."

 

Sinclair added that the Pan Am Games, which open Oct. 14, offer a chance for the team to rebound from its disappointing showing at this summer's World Cup. "With the London Olympics coming up next summer, we need to improve, and the Pan Am Games is the perfect place to do that," she said.

 

Held every four years since their inception in 1951, the Pan Am Games feature athletes from North, Central and South America. Canada is sending a team of 493 athletes to Guadalajara, with representatives from each of the 10 provinces and the Northwest Territories.

 

The Minister of State for Sport today congratulated all of the athletes and said that he would especially like to recognize soccer player Christine Sinclair, Canada's all-time leading goal scorer, who will carry the Canadian flag at the opening ceremony of the Games. "Our Government is proud to work with the Canadian Olympic Committee and the sport community to support our athletes and their participation in the Pan American Games. These athletes are a source of pride and inspiration for all Canadians."

 
Close to 5,900 athletes from 44 countries will take part in the XVI Pan American Games from October 14 to 30, 2011. "On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I wish much success to all the Canadian athletes taking part in the Games. I would also like to thank the coaches, parents, and friends who provide unfailing support to our athletes and encourage them to achieve their dreams.