Olympic Gold Medalist to mentor and cheer on Canada's athletes at 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles
TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - Olympic gold medalist Mark Tewksbury has been named Honorary Coach of Special Olympics Team Canada, currently preparing to compete at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles. A long-time supporter of the Special Olympics movement, Tewksbury currently serves on Special Olympics Canada's board of directors and is a co-chair of its Champions Network.
"I have been fortunate to accomplish much in my swimming career, as well as in my professional life, but this is one of my greatest honours," said Tewksbury. "I'm looking forward to doing whatever I can to help the members of Team Canada 2015 go to Los Angeles and perform their best while doing all of Canada proud."
"Mark has been an invaluable supporter of Special Olympics Canada for many years, mentoring and inspiring our athletes to achieve their true potential. He has also been a champion of the movement's coaches and volunteers. To have Mark as our Honorary Coach is a perfect fit for Team Canada 2015," said Blair McIntosh, Vice President, Sport, Special Olympics Canada.
The games run from July 25 to August 2, and will be the largest sporting event held in Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. Honorary co-chairs for the games are President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle Obama. Special Olympics Canada is sending a contingent of 164 athletes, coaches and mission staff, led by chef de mission Johnny Byrne, CEO of Special Olympics Alberta – its largest delegation ever for a World Summer Games. Special Olympics Team Canada athletes will compete in athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball and swimming.
Canadians wanting to get an early look at some of Team Canada's representatives in Los Angeles, including the record-breaking powerlifter Jackie Barrett from Newfoundland and Labrador, top sprinters Peter Snider, Robert Pipitone (Ontario) and Gabriel Dupuy (Québec), and ace golfer Danny Peaslee of Manitoba, can find them in a broadcast highlighting performances and athletes of the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games on TSN4, Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. EST.
About Special Olympics Canada
Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in 12 provincial and territorial Chapters, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, close to 37,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 17,000 volunteers, including more than 13,000 trained coaches.
For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).
SOURCE: Special Olympics Canada
and interview requests: Bill Wilson, Director, Marketing & Communications, Special Olympics Canada, T: 416.927.9050 ext. 4383, E: [email protected]
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