CTV W5 documentary follows Soldier On team in the 'Iron Man of Motorsports'

Two disabled war heroes, an Acura TL and a story-book finish

TORONTO, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - The compelling and inspiring story of two disabled Canadian Forces veterans severely wounded in the war on Afghanistan, who conquered the rugged five-day 2,000 kilometre Targa Newfoundland rally to raise funds for the Soldier On Fund, will be the subject of a half-hour CTV W5 special on Saturday following Remembrance Day.

Master Corporal Jody Mitc and Corporal Andrew Knisley suffered devastating injuries in combat that left the pair with one leg and three arms between them. They credit the Canadian Forces Soldier On program with contributing to their remarkable recovery and set a goal of raising $150,000 for the Soldier On Fund by competing in the grueling Targa event in September. Soldier On was established to improve the quality of life of ill and injured soldiers through active participation and peer interaction in fitness and sports.

Mitic and Knisley have prosthetic limbs and drove a specially-equipped Acura TL SH-AWD performance luxury sedan sponsored by the Acura Dealers of Canada. The car was showroom stock with the exception of rally timing components, high-performance Michelin tires and Motegi wheels, and added safety components such as a roll cage.

The team's goal was to finish the competition, a feat that has eluded many Targa competitors.  They did that and more, beating all expectations. Mitic and Knisley finished the rally first in class, seventh in their division and earned a Targa Plate for successfully completing each of the 40+ stages within tough Targa times.

It was an exceptional accomplishment. Major General (Ret'd) Lewis MacKenzie, himself a former Targa Newfoundland class champion, was team manager. As he explained, "Targa stages are unlike other racing competitions. There are over 40 opportunities to make a mistake. Jody and Andrew didn't make one. I can't even fathom the physical pressure they endured. But the mental pressure, too. Remember, they switched roles as driver and co-driver each day. It's a phenomenal achievement."

The CTV W5 feature will track the Soldier On team through all phases of their Targa experience, from the fitting of the Acura TL for their special needs, to practice sessions and the daily frustrations and celebrations during the competition.

To date, the Soldier On Fund has received almost $80,000 for the Acura Soldier On team at Targa. The W5 special will be broadcast at 7:00 pm on the full CTV network on Saturday, November 13.  It will also air on CTV stations in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario at noon on Sunday, November 14, and after the Sunday NFL football game in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. It can be viewed on CP24 on Sunday, November 14, at 1:00 pm and Monday, November 15, at 12:00 am. There will also be iDiscovery rebroadcasts during the week of November 14 (check local listings for details).

Contributions to the Soldier On Fund can be made through tax-deductible donations on the organization's website, www.SoldierOn.ca .

For further information:

Richard Jacobs (905-888-4102)
Susan MacDonald (613-966-4969)