Skaters who trained in Waterloo to carry flag into opening ceremony at Olympics

Figure skaters Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir will carry Canada’s flag into the opening ceremony at next month’s Winter Games in South Korea.

The Olympic gold medallists were introduced Tuesday at a news conference in Ottawa.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was there to mark the occasion.

Virtue, 28, and Moir, 30, made their Olympic debut eight years ago on home ice in Vancouver, where they captured a gold medal and became household names.

“The privilege of carrying the flag comes with great responsibility that we do not take lightly. We commit to embodying the values and standards that make Canada such a special place, and vow to embrace the Olympic spirit in its purest form.” said Virtue.

“Being named flag bearers for Canada is the highest honour of our careers, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the COC (Canadian Olympic Committee) for their belief in us. We will be marching into the Opening Ceremony with a strong, confident and inspired team of Canadian athletes – a group that will fearlessly represent our great nation on the world’s biggest stage.” added Moir.

The pair used to train at the Kitchener-Waterloo Skating Club at Waterloo’s RIM Park.

“I think our members, both past and present, we have a tremendous love for Scott and Tessa, as well as pride,” said Alison Sims, president of the K-W Skating Club.

“Everyone here watched them grow and now we just see what wonderful ambassadors they are for Canada. I think all of Canada is proud of them.” added Sims.

Virtue and Moir said they will retire after the Olympics in Pyeongchang. They skated to a silver medal four years ago in Sochi.

The opening ceremony takes place on February 9th.