OTTAWA, June 29, 2012 /CNW/ - With Canada Day just around the corner - and the London 2012 Paralympic Games exactly two months away - the Canadian Paralympic Committee looks forward to celebrating our national holiday with patriotism and pride on July 1, at special events across the country.
In Calgary, momentum continues to build around the approximately 150 Team Canada athletes who will compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, which run August 29 to September 12.
"With the majority of Canadian athletes now having been nominated, we are looking forward with great anticipation this weekend to the 2012 Canadian Track and Field Trials in Calgary, to identifying the athletes who will be nominated in para-athletics on July 1," said Gaétan Tardif, Team Canada's Chef de Mission.
To date, Canadian sports which have announced their nominated athletes include: wheelchair basketball, archery, equestrian, wheelchair tennis, swimming, sailing, boccia and wheelchair rugby.
Canada will also compete in goalball, rowing, cycling, judo, shooting and wheelchair fencing - be sure to look for these nomination announcements in coming weeks.
View the latest Canadian team nominations and Paralympic Games news here: http://www.paralympic.ca/en/London-2012/2012-News.html
Meanwhile, at the grassroots level, the Canadian Paralympic Committee is hosting a "Parasport Festival" as part of the National Capital Commission's (NCC) Canada Day in the Capital celebrations at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, Québec, on July 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to try out parasports, test adapted sports equipment and get autographs from top London-bound Paralympic athletes, including six members of the men's national wheelchair basketball team.
"This year's Canada Day celebrations are truly special," says Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "Our Parasport Festival is designed to spark curiosity and excitement for the Paralympic Games and build awareness of the opportunities within parasport and how to get involved."
And last but not least - for Toronto Blue Jays fans - look for several London-bound Paralympic athletes to receive special pre-game recognition at the July 1 game in Toronto at the Rogers Centre as the Blue Jays take on the L.A. Angels. Rower Victoria Nolan, judoka Justin Karn and boccia player Adam Dukovich, among others, will be at the game and be publicly recognized for their accomplishments.
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.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is committed to the development of parasport. To learn about getting involved in parasport, whether as an athlete, coach, volunteer or guide, please visit www.paralympic.ca/getinvolved.
Mark Dottori
Director, Marketing and Communications
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: 613-569-4333 ext. 242
Cell: 613-294-5961
[email protected]
Kim McLachlan
Senior Coordinator, Athlete and Community Relations
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: 613-569-4333 x225
Cell: 613-883-1477
[email protected]
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