International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated today with opening of the Ontario Parasport Summit by Ontario's Lieutenant Governor the Honourable David C. Onley

WHITBY, ON, Dec. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, officially opened the Ontario Parasport Summit today at the Abilities Centre in Whitby.

His Honour was joined by Michael Chan, Ontario Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Eric Cartlidge, Executive Director of Parasport Ontario, Ian Troop, CEO of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, Christine Elliott, Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby-Oshawa, Tracy MacCharles, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering Scarborough East, and over 80 parasport  representatives from throughout Ontario.

"I'm honoured to take part in the opening of the Ontario Parasport Summit on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities," said the Hon. David Onley. "This Summit's commitment to bringing people together to develop a parasport system in Ontario that is robust, inclusive, and committed to excellence sends an uplifting message to athletes and Ontarians of all abilities."

The Canadian Paralympic Committee, in partnership with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, the Toronto 2015 Parapan Games and Parasport Ontario, are hosting the three-day summit that will work towards building further alignment between parasport and able-bodied sport and improve equity in access to resources and support for Ontario parasport participants, including athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.

"The McGuinty government is proud to have led the bid to host the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games as it offers a great opportunity to put a spotlight on Ontario's parasport athletes," said Michael Chan, Ontario Minister Responsible for the Pan and Parapan Am Games. "This Summit will help Ontario build from the success of the London 2012 Paralympics and grow participation in parasport to deliver the best 'People's Games' in Ontario -- accessible and affordable to all."

Summit participants will identify the current state of parasport in Ontario, discuss aspirations for the future state of parasport in Ontario, work together to create alignment through project-based solutions to Ontario parasport issues, and share ideas for parasport to fully realize the legacy potential of the upcoming Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.

"Paralympic competition has never been more exciting and our athletes have never been more focused," said Henry Storgaard, CEO of Canadian Paralympic Committee. "We look forward to working with our partners at this Summit to enhance the development of the parasport system in Ontario and in Canada, with the goal of growing the Paralympic Movement and opportunities for all Canadians to get involved."

SOURCE: CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (CPC)

Stephanie Sayer
416-500-1656
[email protected]

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