OTTAWA - Shannon England was rinkside to cheer on his wife Sandra Schmirler as she captured the first official gold medal in women's curling in one of the most memorable moments of the 1998 Nagano Olympics.

Now, England is getting a chance to carry the Olympic torch.

The Canadian Curling Association has selected the late skip's husband as a torchbearer in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, running a leg in Regina on Jan. 10, also his 45th birthday.

"The Olympic Winter Games is the pinnacle of athletic competition,'' England said in a statement.

"Watching my wife Sandra and her teammates win gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics will be something I will always fondly remember. If a person is not able to compete as an athlete at the Games, being able to participate in the Torch Relay would be the next best thing.

"It is with honour that I represent all curlers and the Canadian Curling Association in the Olympic torch relay.''

Schmirler, a three-time Canadian and world champion, died of cancer at the age of 36 in March of 2000, just two years after her Olympic victory.

England will have his two daughters Sara, 12, and Jenna, 10, cheering from the crowd as his carries the flame.

"He is a wonderful role model who, like Sandra Schmirler, embodies the spirit of curling and everything that is good about the sport,'' said Greg Stremlaw, the CCA's chief executive officer.

Athletes slated to carry the torch so far include former Vancouver Canucks captain Trevor Linden, NBA star Steve Nash from Victoria and Calgary golfer Stephen Ames.

The torch relay begins its trek in Victoria on Oct. 30. Over 106 days, it will make stops in every province and territory leading up to the lighting of the cauldron at BC Place.

The Games will be held from Feb. 12 to 28 in Vancouver and Whistler, B.C., followed by the Paralympics from March 12 to 21.