MIRAMICHI, New Brunswick – Tilly O'Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, celebrated the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Miramichi as part of the Olympic Torch Relay’s journey across our country.

The final Torchbearer, Mark Noel, is a Teacher at James M. Hill Memorial High School, recipient of the "Lionel Ruhr Coach of the Year Award" - Mark started his coaching career in 1996 as Head Coach of the Bantam AAA Chatham Ironmen Team. His team won the 1997 provincial title and represented the province at the Bantam National Championships in North Bay, Ontario.

In 2000 he joined the Ironmen Midget AAA team as assistant coach and subsequently took over as head coach the following year. Under his guidance the team represented NB at the Midget Nationals in 2002, 2003 and 2005, culminating with a silver medal in the 2005 championship.

In 2006 he joined the NB Canada Cup program as assistant coach and later became head coach of New Brunswick Selects in 2007. Since joining the program, the team has finished fourth, fifth and third respectively - resulting in a promotion to Pool A in 2009. His bronze medal team in 2008 was the first NB team to ever medal at the Baseball Canada Cup.

‘’I am thrilled to represent the people of Miramichi and to know a devoted teacher as Mark Noël. As a former teacher myself, I like to commend all the teachers and students for their performances at the event.  I enjoyed mingling with many former students and colleagues. 

I was overwhelmed when I saw more than 5,000 people out on such a rainy day. Your dedication and loyalty to our country was much appreciated, ’’ said O’Neill Gordon.

The MP Tilly O’Neill-Gordon presented to the municipality of Miramichi a commemorative plaque for welcoming the Olympic Flame in their community. The plaque symbolizes the legacy that will endure in communities long after the flame is extinguished.

The Torch visited Miramichi on November 27, 2009 for a community celebration at James M. Hill Memorial High School Field.  The torch came into the city just after 10:30 a.m. after winding its way up the Miramichi River Valley with stops in Boiestown, Doaktown and Blackville.

The Government of Canada provided Miramichi with $15,000 for the local celebration.

For more information on our Government support for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay or the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, visit www.Canada2010.gc.ca.