MEDIA ADVISORY - Sending off Special Olympics Team Canada to the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games

141 Canadians representing our country at the world's largest sporting event of the year

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Special Olympics Canada invites media to join us for our Special Olympics Team Canada's send-off celebrations on January 24, 2013 in Vancouver. The 141-person team is coming together from 87 communities across Canada in Vancouver; they leave to their country at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea (January 29 to February 5). Special Olympics Canada is hosting two events to fete the team before their departure the next day.

EVENT	Special Olympics Team Canada Rally Join the 102 athletes and 39 coaches and mission staff as they arrive in Vancouver! This is the time that the entire team has gathered together as Special Olympics Team Canada.
WHO	-     Cathy Priestner Allinger, Olympic Medallist and Chair of the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Vancouver -     Catriona Le May Doan, Olympic Medallist and Honorary Coach, Special Olympics Team Canada -     Steve Podborski, Olympic Medallist and National Director, Community Sport, TELUS -     Jennifer Campbell, Chef de Mission, Special Olympics Team Canada -     Beverley Hammond, Chair, Special Olympics Canada Board of Directors -     Special Olympics Team Canada athletes, coaches and misson staff
WHEN	1 to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE	Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel Mallard Room 3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, B.C.
EVENT	Special Olympics Team Canada Celebration Dinner Special Olympics Team Canada will be joined by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) for an evening celebration of the athletes and their year of dedicated training for the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
WHO	-     The Honorable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) -     Co-hosts, CTV Sportscaster Jason Pires, CTV British Columbia and Special Olympics Team Canada speed skater Cynthia Simmons, NWT -     Catriona Le May Doan, Olympic Medallist and Honorary Coach, Special Olympics Team Canada -     Steve Podborski, Olympic Medallist and National Director, Community Sport, TELUS -     Jennifer Campbell, Chef de Mission, Special Olympics Team Canada -     Lindsay Glassco, President & CEO, Special Olympics Canada
WHEN	6 to 8 p.m.
WHERE	Vancouver Convention Centre Parkview Terrace 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C.

About Special Olympics Canada
Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport. Operating in all Canadian provinces and territories except Nunavut, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes, and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, there are more than 35,000 children, youth, and adults with an intellectual disability registered in Special Olympics year-round sport programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 17,100 volunteers, including more than 13,500 trained coaches. For more information, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (handle: SpecialOCanada).

 

SOURCE: Special Olympics Canada

For information and interview requests:

Mary-Margaret Jones
Public Relations and Marketing
Special Olympics Canada
416.927.9050 ext. 4383 (until January 19)
416.909.5911 (January 20 forward)
[email protected] 

Megan Grittani-Livingston
Communications Liaison
Special Olympics Team Canada
604.737.3077
[email protected]