McCreadie to carry British flag at Opening Ceremony

Posted: Friday 12th March 2010 | 10:50

The British Paralympic Association has confirmed curling skip Michael McCreadie will carry the Great Britain flag at Friday night's Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony in Vancouver.

FLAG BEARER: Wheelchair curling skip Michael McCreadie will carry the British flag at the Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony in Vancouver on Friday night (Getty Images)

The double world champion threw third stone for the British rink which scooped silver - Great Britain's only medal - in Turin four years ago.

Paralympics GB Chef de Mission Phil Lane has already paid tribute to McCreadie, tipping the curlers to medal for the second consecutive Games.

And ahead of his seventh Paralympics - third as a competitor - the Glaswegian insisted it was a special honour to lead the 12-strong British team out in Vancouver.

"I am totally shocked, surprised and amazed to know that I am going to be holding the flag to represent all the skiers, curlers and support staff," said McCreadie, who struck two lawn bowls bronze medals at the 1976 Summer Paralympics in Toronto.

"Some things you can't put into words. It will probably hit me as the team comes out onto the track at the presentation at the Opening Ceremony.

"I'm sure the whole team will do Britain proud."

Paralympics GB chief executive Lane added: "Michael is the most experienced athlete we have out in Vancouver so for us it was a straight-forward decision.

"I am delighted he will represent Paralympics GB at the Opening Ceremony in this way."

Meanwhile, Amy Williams, who won skeleton gold at last month's Winter Olympics, issued a rallying call to the British squad.

"I just want to wish you all the best of luck and I know you have all worked really hard to be there," said Williams.

"Just follow your dreams. You have all done all you can to prepare. So take a deep breath at the start of your race and just enjoy it.

"You are there to race and have fun and compete for your country and if you have that mindset, like I did, you'll get your best result."