Media Advisory - The Canadian Paralympic Committee Invites Canadians To
Paralympic Sport Demonstrations During The First-Ever Sports Day In Canada

OTTAWA, Sept. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - September 18th marks the first-ever Sports Day in Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee and its members are proud to invite Canadians to experience first-hand various Paralympic sports during hands-on sport demonstrations in Ottawa (ON) and Richmond (BC). With only 3% of people with disabilities physically active, this event will bring attention to the importance of sport in the lives of all Canadians, especially those with a physical disability. In partnership with many sports organizations, Canadians of all ages and abilities will have the unique opportunity to get active and join Paralympians in a wide variety of Paralympic sports while celebrating this national landmark event - Sports Day in Canada - and raising the awareness of the benefits of participating in sport.

WHERE, WHEN & HOW?

    
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                 Ottawa, ON                          Richmond, BC
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    As the University of Ottawa          On September 18th, the public is
    Gee-Gees compete against the         invited to experience goalball,
    McMaster Marauders in an exciting    para-athletics, wheelchair
    homecoming game, Paralympians from   basketball and many other sports
    athletics, wheelchair basketball,    alongside Canada's Paralympians!
    sledge hockey, and many more         In addition, other sport
    sports will be on site,              representatives will be onsite to
    demonstrating their sports and       provide instruction to Canadians of
    teaching Canadians how to play!      all ages and abilities to
                                         experience Paralympic sports.
    WHERE: Lansdowne Park;
           1015 Bank St,                 WHERE: Richmond Oval;
           Ottawa ON,                           6111 River Road,
           K1S 3W7                              Richmond, BC
                                                V7C 0A2
    WHEN:  September 18,
           from 12 to 4pm                WHEN:  September 18,
                                                from 11am to 2pm
    COST: Group tickets are available
    at a rate of $4 if ordered in        COST:  It's FREE!
    advance, or can be purchased on
    site at a rate of $4 (children) or   WHO? MEET WITH:
    $12 (adults). To order your          -  5-time Gold medalist in alpine
    tickets,contact Jessica Damery at       skiing, Lauren Woolstencroft
    [email protected]                -  Athletics athlete, Andrea Holmes
                                         -  Wheelchair Basketball players,
    WHO? MEET WITH:                         Richard Peters, Marnie
    -  Sledge Hockey players Jean           Abbot-Peters and Robert Hedges
       Labonté, Shawn Matheson, Todd     -  Wheelchair Curling players,
       Nicholson and Hervé Lord             Chris Daw and Darryl Neighbour
    -  Nordic skiers Alexei Novikov and  -  Boccia player, Alison Kabush
       Margarita Gorbounova - Athletics  -  Wheelchair Tennis player,
       athletes Jacques Bouchard and        Sarah Hunter
       Leah Robinson                     -  Nordic skier, Lou Gibson
    -  Goalball player Amy Kneebone
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WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SPORTS DAY?

Sports Day in Canada is a national celebration of sport, from grassroots to high-performance levels, in communities across Canada. Sports Day in Canada caps off a week of thousands of local sporting events and activities, open houses and try-it days showcasing sport at all levels, and includes a special television broadcast on CBC Sports.

Sports Day in Canada is presented by CBC Sports, ParticipACTION and True Sport and is guided by a committee of national sporting organizations including the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).

To learn more or to search for events in your community, visit www.cbc.ca/sports/sportsday/.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee ("the CPC") is a non-profit, private organisation with 43 member sports organisations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The CPC is responsible for creating an optimal high-performance environment for Canadian Paralympic athletes to win at Paralympic and ParaPanAmerican Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the CPC inspires all Canadians with a physical disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organisations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

About the Richmond Olympic Oval

Built for the Games. Designed for Legacy. The Richmond Olympic Oval is a breathtaking venue on the banks of the Fraser River and winner of the Institution of Structural Engineers top award for Sports or Leisure Structures. Home to long track speed skating during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the Oval re-opened to public programming April 1, 2010. The facility's Olympic Legacy conversion is scheduled for completion by fall 2010 and will offer an inspiring environment for all ages and skill levels to progress towards their own personal podiums.

For further information: about Paralympic Sport Demonstrations, contact: Marie-Hélène Cayer, Canadian Paralympic Committee, [email protected], Office: 613.569.4333 ext.227, Cell: 613.293.3358; For more information about Sports Day in Canada, contact: Katherine Janson, Participaction, [email protected], 416.913.1471