Canadian Paralympic Committee and Suncor Energy Announce Free London 2012 Tickets for Family and Friends of Team Canada Athletes

Petro-Canada Athlete Family Program to cover cost of tickets reserved for athletes

OTTAWA, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Family and friends of Canadian athletes competing at the London 2012 Paralympic Games this summer will have the chance to cheer on their loved ones in person - in every event in which they compete - thanks to free tickets courtesy of Petro-Canada, a Suncor Energy business.

Petro Canada will cover the cost of tickets reserved for Canadian athletes under a program developed by the London Games Organizing Committee (LOCOG). The LOCOG program will reserve two tickets per athlete to events in which an athlete competes, including preliminary, elimination and medal rounds. The sport of swimming will be the one exception, with one ticket available per athlete due to extremely high demand and seating capacity restrictions. Accessible seating tickets are also available.

"We recognize the commitment and sacrifices that athletes' families and friends make and wants to provide these important fans with an opportunity to cheer on their athlete in person in London," says Steven Keith of Suncor Energy, a long-time partner of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "There has been unprecedented demand worldwide for tickets and we are thrilled to ensure Canadian athletes will have access to these tickets at no cost, so their supporters can cheer them to victory!"

All ticket distribution under the Petro-Canada Athlete Family Program will take place in London at Games time. As program logistics become finalized, information will be released regarding pick-up locations and processes. LOCOG will assign the seats.

"This is wonderful news for athletes and their families," notes Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "The Petro-Canada Athlete Family Program had a tremendous positive impact on our winter sport athletes competing at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games, and I'd like to thank Petro-Canada for their generosity in continuing that legacy by supporting Team Canada's summer sport athletes in London. The peace of mind this program will provide our athletes is priceless."

Please note: For all additional ticket purchase requests by Canadians (outside of the Petro-Canada Athlete Family Program), contact Flight Centre by May 18 at 1-855-450-9499.

About Suncor Energy, proud owner of Petro-Canada

Suncor Energy Inc. is Canada's premier integrated energy company. Suncor's operations include oil sands development and upgrading, conventional and offshore oil and gas production, petroleum refining, and product marketing under the Petro-Canada brand. While working to responsibly develop petroleum resources, Suncor is also developing a growing renewable energy portfolio. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. For more information about Suncor Energy Inc., please visit www.suncor.com.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

Alison Korn
Manager, Media Relations
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: [phone] ext. 243
Cell: 613-298-4927
[email protected]

Suncor Energy
Media relations
403 - 296 - 4000

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