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2- The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 25, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Selection surprised van Koeverden Continued from page 1 gold makes a habit of being first in his sport of kayak, and will be the first face people will see at the opening ceremonies when Canadian athletes march in. "Everyone will be wearing the Maple Leaf. I just get to carry the flag. When we walk in there will be 75,000 people there and millions watching at home and I will be representing Canada for all Canadians." The 26-year-old was given the news of his selection as flag bearer last week, when former Olympic diver Sylvie Bernier, Canada's Chef de Mission for the 2008 Olympic Games, made the drive from Montreal to Ottawa where van Koeverden was training to deliver the news. "Just to see the look on his face made the trip worthwhile," she said. Despite his lofty credentials, van Koeverden was surprised that he was selected to carry the flag. "It came as a big surprise," he admitted. "There are a lot of good candidates. Having already been a flag bearer, I thought I would be a dark horse," to be selected again so soon. The first go-round at the Olympics four years ago in Athens was a memorable experience for van Koeverden. He made his first trip to the medal podium in the K-1 1,000m with a bronze medal performance, bettering "It came as a big surprise. There are a lot of good candidates. Having already been a flag bearer, I thought I would be a dark horse." Canadian Olympic flag bearer Adam van Koeverden that a day later in the K-1 500m sprint where he won gold. It was the first time a Canadian athlete had won two medals in the same Olympics since 1996 in Atlanta when sprinter Donovan Bailey and cyclist Clara Hughes earned two medals each. His Olympic performance earned van Koeverden the Lou Marsh Award as Canada's Male Athlete of the Year. The sprint kayaker has continued his success on the water, even escalating it the past four years. He has dominated the World Cup circuit, winning the overall title from 2004 through 2007. In that span, he has won 21 World Cup gold medals, including five this year. When he isn't competing, van Koeverden is an ambassador for the humanitarian group Right to Play, which helps disadvantaged youth with sport and activity. Beijing will also mark the first time he has attended an opening ceremonies, having watched four years ago on a TV in France where his team was stationed for a training camp before leaving for Athens. He questioned why the kayak team wasn't there, and was told by his coach not to worry about it, he could make up for it by carrying the flag at the closing ceremonies. How prophetic. "It will be a great way to kick things off and remind me why I am there," said van Koeverden, noting that he doesn't compete until the 10th day of the Games, so attending the ceremonies won't affect his training. "I'm really excited to see the fireworks," he joked. "I haven't been to the opening ceremonies before, so I'm excited to see what that's all about." The day also marked the announcement of the entire Canadian team. The 331 athletes that will represent Canada is an increase over the 265 who competed in Athens. The increase is attributed to team sports, where Canada will be represented by men's baseball, men's water polo, women's softball, men's field hockey and women's soccer. Only the baseball, water polo and softball teams qualified in Athens four years ago. Robbery suspect charged Amber Door Spa Our award winning spa is the best kept secret in Oakville! Come in and relax your mind, body and soul * Facials * Lifting Treatments * Microdermabrasion * Chemical Peels * Organic Treatments * Body Treatments * Manicures/Pedicures * Relaxation Massages * Hot Stone Massages * Reiki/Chakra Cleansing Gift Certificates Available Expanded Hours. Open Sundays! An Oakville man is facing numerous robbery and fraud related charges for illegal activities taking place over the course of the year in the same Oakville plaza. Between October 2007 and January of 2008, a lone male robbed three different businesses in the plaza located at 1011 Upper Middle Rd. In one robbery the man was armed with what appeared to be a sword, while in the second and third robberies he claimed to be armed with a knife, but did not reveal it. No one was injured during these incidents. Last week Halton police linked these robberies to fraud taking place at the same complex in which someone was using stolen credit cards. Bradley Michael Flynn, 23, has been charged with three counts of robbery, five counts of using a revoked credit card, four counts of theft of a credit card, one count of fraud and one count of theft. A bail hearing took place in Milton on Monday, July 21 at which Flynn was released on his own recognizance to appear in court again on Aug. 20. Regatta benefits hospital The third annual BMO Nesbitt Burns OTMH (OakvilleTrafalgar Memorial Hospital) Regatta will take place Saturday, July 26. The one-day, open, three-race format appeals to both competitive racing crews and family cruisers and will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bronte Harbour Yacht Club located at 2514 Lakeshore Rd. W. Races will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. with post race awards and celebrations concluding by 5 p.m. After a fun day on the lake, sailors and friends will enjoy dinner, awards, prize draw and DJ dance party. The BMO Nesbitt Burns OTMH Regatta will raise money for equipment purchases for OTMH. For details visit www.otmhregatta.com. AVER LE BE ES IL OAKV NOMINE D AWAR Best Spa Best Manicure/ Pedicure Upper Middle Road Trafalgar Road Reeves Gate 3rd Line 1500 Heritage Way, Unit 6 Heritage Way N 905.469.4825 www.amberdoorspa.com Now hiring aestheticians. QEW