Canada's Bourgonje recipient of Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award

VANCOUVER, March 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Colette Bourgonje of Saskatoon will receive the prestigious Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award at the Closing Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, along with Endo Takayuki of Japan.

The Award recognizes elite athletes with a disability that have demonstrated an exceptional level of determination to overcome their adversities through sport and the Paralympic Games.

"Colette is competing in her ninth Paralympic Winter Games and continues to embody the Paralympic Movement in Canada," said Blair McIntosh, chef de mission, Team Canada. "In addition to her success in para-nordic skiing, Colette is a wonderful ambassador for the Canadian Paralympic Committee and a role model for future Paralympians."

Bourgonje has won 10 Paralympic medals throughout her illustrious career, including two so far at the Vancouver Games: a silver medal in the women's 10 km sitting, along with a bronze medal in the 5 km sitting.

During the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games nominations for the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award were received from National Paralympic Committees (NPC). The athletes were nominated by the chef de missions of the delegations competing at the Paralympic Winter Games. The final two winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges comprising IPC Governing Board members earlier this morning.

Dr. Whang Youn Dai and Sir Philip Craven, IPC president, will be presenting these two athletes with a pure gold medal during the Closing Ceremony in Whistler on Sunday.

The mission of the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award is to enhance the will of people with a disability to conquer their adversities through the pursuit of excellence in sports and through the Paralympic Games. These two winners have shown exceptional qualities that represent this award.

More information on the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award and details on the athletes can be found on the official website at www.whangprize.org.

For further information: Michael Cvitkovic, 2010 Press Chief, [email protected], [phone]