8 March 2018
Pick named ParalympicsGB flagbearer at PyeongChang 2018 Opening Ceremony
Para snowboarder Owen Pick will have the honour of carrying the flag for ParalympicsGB when the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Games begin on Friday.
Pick, who served in Afghanistan with 1st Royal Anglian Regiment (Vikings) of the British Army, was chosen to receive the honour by the Chef de Mission.
The 26-year-old makes his Games debut in PyeongChang where he and teammates James Barnes-Miller and Ben Moore will become the first British athletes in history to compete in Para snowboard at the Paralympic Games.
I once fought for my country under this flag and now I get to represent my country under the same flag.
Owen Pick said: “I’m super happy to be nominated as flagbearer for ParalympicsGB and really proud. I once fought for my country under this flag and now I get to represent my country under the same flag.
“Being one of the first ever Paralympic snowboarders for GB is a huge deal for me because it’s so important to see the sport I love represented at one of the biggest sporting events in the world. I can’t wait to get out there and race.”
Chef Penny Briscoe with Owen Pick
An honour
Penny Briscoe OBE, Chef de Mission for ParalympicsGB, said: “As Chef it’s always a special moment to tell someone that they’ve been chosen to be our flagbearer and I know that Owen understands what an honour it is to represent the team and his country in this way.
“To have someone from the new sport on the programme who has shown real commitment and progression through this cycle makes him the perfect choice and I hope that he enjoys the moment.”
Professor Nick Webborn OBE, President of the ParalympicsGB delegation, said: “Our athletes have been working incredibly hard over the last few years to reach this point and it’s so exciting that the Games are nearly here. I know that Owen will represent the team with pride on Friday and will have the full support of the rest of the delegation, our partners and fans back at home. I’m sure it will be an experience he will treasure.”
Seventeen athletes will represent ParalympicsGB in a record five sports at PyeongChang 2018: Para alpine skiing, Para Nordic skiing, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling.
The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games take place from March 9-18.
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