MEDIA ADVISORY - With passion and purpose: Stars come out to raise funds for
Special Olympics Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 25 /CNW/ - Where else can you get up close to heroes and stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment than at the Special Olympics Festival? This annual Toronto tradition will see some of the biggest names, including great Canadian crooner Matt Dusk and Brian Burke, Toronto Maple Leafs GM and president, come together in support of a great cause.  Now in its 28^th year, the fundraising events will be held on November 30 and December 1, 2010 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto.

WHY	Funds raised will be invested in the development and delivery of grassroots sport programs across Canada.
WHERE	Sheraton Centre Toronto 123 Queen Street West * See below for specific locations and celebrity attendees
WHEN	Special Olympics Festival Gala + After Party
	Tuesday, November 30, 2010 beginning at 7 pm
	Grand Ballroom
	Entertainment by acclaimed vocalist Matt Dusk Inspirational speaker: Catherine Partlow, gold-medal winning Special Olympics track star Celebrities: Argo DT Adriano Belli, Washington Redskin LB Chris Draft, former Argo QB Damon Allen, former Leafs captain Darryl Sittler, Olympic gymnastics champion Kyle Shewfelt, Argos head coach Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Olympic hurdler Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, UFCs Sam Stout and many more. Auction of a custom-designed diamond necklace by the "Canadian Jeweller to the Stars", Mark Lash (Value: $10,000) Hosts: CTV's Rod Black and TSN's Jennifer Hedger
	Special Olympics Festival Breakfast
	Wednesday, December 1, 2010 from 7 am to 9 am
	Grand Ballroom
	Keynote speaker: Brian Burke, President and GM, Toronto Maple Leafs Inspirational speaker: Lynette Sampson, 2010 Female Athlete of the Year Musical performance by cast members of Mirvish Productions' Priscilla Queen of the Desert Celebrities: Toronto Blue Jay GM Alex Anthopoulos, alpine skiing legend Brian Stemmle, Team Canada defenceman Geraldine Heaney, Argo CB Jordan Younger, Olympic cycling legend Curt Harnett, Argos head coach Michael "Pinball" Clemons and many more. Host: CTV's Brian Williams

To purchase tickets, festival.specialolympics.ca and for information, www.specialolympics.ca

For further information:

For media enquiries:

Bonnie Neprily
Veritas Communications
T 416.847.2307
C 647.330.5875
[email protected]

Susana Petti
Director, Marketing & PR
Special Olympics Canada
T: 416.927.9050 ext. 237
C: 416.455.8932
E: [email protected]