Cancer Survivor to Carry Nova Scotia Flag

Cancer survivor and triple jump athlete Carly Bunyan will carry the Nova Scotia flag into the closing ceremonies of the 2005 Canada Games.

The 23-year-old native of Troy, Inverness Co., competed in the triple jump in 2001. Nearly a year later, she found out she had a softball-sized brain tumour. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, she got back into training and made the team for Regina 2005.

"I'm very honoured that the entire athletics team nominated me and that I was chosen to carry the flag," said Ms. Bunyan. "I'm thankful for the support of my family, friends, teammates and coach to reach this point."

Athletes will march into the closing ceremonies on Saturday, Aug. 20. The event will feature awards and entertainment by the band Our Lady Peace.

By noon today, Aug. 19, Nova Scotia has 42 medals -- 15 gold, 13 silver and 14 bronze -- having picked up three more in athletics on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Janice Ashworth won gold in the women's steeplechase and set a new Canada Games record. Paul Chafe won silver in the men's steeplechase. Leanna MacLean took the gold in the women's 800-metre run.

"Team Nova Scotia has performed extremely well over the past two weeks," said chef de mission Russell MacDonald. "It's been a privilege to lead such a fine group of athletes, artists, coaches, managers and mission staff through this Canada Games experience."

Competition continues today for athletics, field hockey, rowing men's softball, soccer, and men's and women's volleyball. Men's softball has the potential to advance to a gold medal game on Saturday.

Team Nova Scotia athletes are supported by 45 coaches, 23 managers, two boatmen and 18 mission staff. Four young artists are participating in the National Artists Program at the Games, bringing the team's total to 422 Nova Scotians.

Team Nova Scotia is funded by Nova Scotia Health Promotion. Sponsors include the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Avis, McDonald's, ATV and the Chronicle Herald.

The Games run until Aug. 20.