2010 Paralympic flag bearer announced

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Canadian sledge hockey player Jean Labonté has been chosen as the flag bearer for the Paralympic Opening Ceremony.

Labonté was clearly shocked as fellow athletes cheered him onto a stage at a busy Robson Square in Vancouver where he waved the Canadian flag high above his head.

He says these Paralympics are different because of the media attention.

"It's going to give a great boost to the Paralympic movement, and sledge hockey in particular. I've never seen so many people this interested in the Paralympics, so it's a great step forward," says Labonté.

He hopes the exposure will help recruit new Paralympic athletes for the Sochi Games in 2014.

Labonté lost his leg to cancer at the age of 17 but has competed in four Paralympics and has played on the national sledge hockey team for 14 years. He was named team captain in 2007.