Prince George, B.C.- For twelve year old Johnathan Botelho of Prince George, it was a surprise, and a dream come true.

 

He is one of eleven children from across Canada chosen to attend the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver as part of the McDonald’s Champion Kids program.

 

The program had teachers and coaches across the country nominate kids who they thought were all round students,  in athetics, the arts and academic achievement.  Johnathan's grade seven teacher at Sacred Heart in Prince George,  Nuala Power submited his name and a glowing report on  Johnathan's activities.

Johnathan stared in disbelief as  the McDonald's icon,  Ronald the clown, interupted  his  Soccer Academy practice at UNBC to make the announcement that Johnathan was selected to  head to the Olympics.

 

Johnathan's father, Gil Bothelo says it has been  really difficult to hide the surprise.  "We've been busting at the seams,  I don't think he even knew his teacher had nominated him."  According to  Dad,  Johnathan  was hyped up  yesterday because he  just got a new pair of soccer cleats and couldn't wait to try them out at his first practice of the invitation only  soccer academy.

 

Johnathan was  very quiet  as  Ronald  announced  that  the 12 year was  the winner of the  Champion Kids contest in B.C.  He was handed a special  t-shirt, a back  pack of goodies, and he and the team were  invited upstairs  to share in a celebretory piece of cake, and hear a message from two time Olympic medalist Cassie Campbell.

 

Johnathan's  only response?  "Awesome."

 

His father Gil says he is very proud "Its  overwhelming,  I am thrilled,  and very proud.  The is an opportunity of a lifetime for him, it's really hard to put into words  just how pleased I am."

 

As a winner, Johnathan now has a trip for two for four days and three nights at the Olympic Games. Winners will also have the opportunity to meet athletes and other children from around the world, tour the cultural sights of Vancouver and Whistler and share their stories about the games with their  home communities.