OTTAWA – Canadian national team water polo players  Brandon Jung of Burnaby, B.C., and Waneek Horn-Miller of Kahnawake, Que., are part of  the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay that is currently criss-crossing the nation.

Jung, a member of Canada’s 2008 Olympic men’s team, is scheduled to do his run in Nelson, B.C., on January 23, 2010 as the torch begins its stretch run to its final destination.  Horn-Miller, a member of the 2000 Olympic women’s water polo team, ran on December 3 in Wendake, Que.

‘’It feels pretty good to get that opportunity,’’ said Jung, 23.  ‘’Especially that I now live in Vancouver it’s a pretty big deal.  I fulfilled a lifelong dream last year when I played for Canada at the Olympics.  It was the first time the Canadian men’s team had been in the Games since 1976 so it was really special for us. 

Ahmed El-Awadi, Water Polo Canada’s executive director, said both players are great representatives for the sport.

‘’We are very proud to have both Waneek and Brandon as torch bearers,’’ he said. ‘’The relay signifies many great things and we are proud to have two great water polo athletes representing the water polo community and Canada with this prestigious honour.  This is another historic year with Canada hosting the Olympics and we would like to congratulate the all the Canadian athlete participating and wish them all the best and success”

The 2010 Torch Relay started on October 30, 2009 and concludes at the Opening Ceremony signalling the start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games on February 12, 2010 after 100 days of travelling over 45 000 kilometres throughout Canada. The torch will cross over 1000 communities with over 200 celebrations hosted in every province and territory.

To view daily blogs and images of the Torch relay, log on to : http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-torch-relay/