LG Innovators' Ball celebrates human potential by honouring two Canadian visionaries

The Ontario Science Centre recognizes Raymond Moriyama and Bruce Poon Tip with its second annual Innovator Awards

TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - What do an architect and an energetic eco-tourism leader have in common? Passion, vision and innovation. Last Thursday night, the Ontario Science Centre hosted 560 guests who recognized two Canadian trailblazers - Raymond Moriyama and Bruce Poon Tip - who have inspired others to embark on a journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future through innovation.

"The Ontario Science Centre Innovator Awards recognize Canadian leaders and innovators in business, science and the broader community," said Ontario Science Centre CEO Lesley Lewis. "Tonight's honorees have each excelled in their fields by continuing to challenge convention, pioneer new approaches and inspire others."

The annual signature event raises funds for the Ontario Science Centre's community access programs. Amongst other things, this year's event saw 82 classes adopted as a part of the Adopt-a-Class challenge conducted during the evening's dinner. The LG Innovators' Ball raised $2.5 million (net) in its first six years, allowing more people to experience the wonder of the Ontario Science Centre.

"The LG Innovators' Ball celebrates Canadian leaders in innovation while creating opportunities for the next generation of innovators", said Chris Tambakis, CEO, North America, Adgar Investments & Development Inc. and Rebecca Leigh, Co-Chairs of the 2013 LG Innovators' Ball. "The event provides critical funding for the Ontario Science Centre's community access programs such as Adopt-a-Class, an initiative that ensures that students from economically challenged areas are able to visit the Science Centre for learning and discovery, regardless of financial means."

Hosted by Steve Paikin, anchor and senior editor of TVO's flagship current affairs program, The Agenda with Steven Paikin, the 'Being Human' theme infused the event through extraordinary feats of artistry and athleticism. During the cocktail hour, guests were entertained by bicycle action performer Trevor Bodogh and arial hoop artist Elisa Kovacic. Dinner entertainment sponsored by J.P. Morgan featured a 360-degree aerial ballet performance by Les Oiseaux du Paradis, a duo comprised of Montreal artists, Elsie Morin and Mathieu Roy.

This year's event was inspired by The AstraZeneca Human Edge, the Science Centre's newest permanent exhibition, which opens on December 7, 2013.  Developed and produced in-house, this exhibition promises to inform visitors of all ages about the human body, health, fitness and nutrition.

About Ontario Science Centre Innovator Awards' Recipients

Raymond Moriyama
Since founding Raymond Moriyama, Architect and Planner in 1958, Raymond Moriyama has applied his humanistic vision to numerous landmark buildings. In addition to the Ontario Science Centre, his most notable projects include the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the Toronto Reference Library, the Bata Shoe Museum (Toronto), and the Canadian War Museum (Ottawa).

Bruce Poon Tip
An entrepreneur, Bruce Poon Tip founded G Adventures in 1990 to deliver authentic experiences for travellers who crave adventures beyond all-inclusive resorts. Under his leadership, G Adventures has carved a reputation as a pioneering world leader in adventure travel, with an unyielding dedication to sustainable tourism and community development initiatives.

About Our Sponsors
The LG Innovators' Ball is supported by title sponsor LG Electronics Canada. Other sponsors include: TAXI Canada (Adopt-a-Class Challenge Sponsor), TELUS (Guest Experience Sponsor), Cossette Media (Cocktail Reception Sponsor), Adgar Investments & Development Inc. (Evening Program Sponsor), Cisco Systems (Guest Welcome Sponsor), J.P. Morgan (Entertainment Sponsor), Symcor (Dinner Sponsor), Honda Canada (Automotive Sponsor)

The Globe and Mail (Media Sponsor), Edelman Canada (PR Sponsor).

About the Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs and challenges the communities we serve, enriching people's lives and understanding through engagement with science of local, national and global relevance. Since 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed over 47 million visitors, with an interactive approach that was the model for science centres around the world. It is the public centre for innovative thinking and provocative dialogue in science and technology, aiming to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Please visit us at Ontariosciencecentre.ca.  www.Facebook.com/OntarioScienceCentre  Twitter: @OntScienceCtr. YouTube: www.YouTube.com/user/OntarioScienceCentre.

About LG Electronics, Inc.
The LG brand was established in 1995. The company is a global leader in electronics, information and communications products, with more than 117 operations around the world, and annual worldwide revenues of more than US $49 billion. LG Canada is comprised of five business units - Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Home Entertainment, Business Solutions and Commercial Air Conditioning. The company has offices in Toronto and Vancouver. LG Canada is focused on delivering award-winning products known for blending style and technology. These innovative products include cell phones, flat screen TVs, laptop computers and home appliances. For more information please visit www.LG.com.

SOURCE: Ontario Science Centre

Anna Relyea
Director, Strategic Communications
Ontario Science Centre
416-696-3273
[email protected]