Olympic Speed Skater Cindy Klassen to Serve as Ambassador for cbm Canada

Klassen Featured in PSA Campaign Across Canada

STOUFFVILLE, ON, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - cbm Canada proudly announces Olympic speed skater and six-time Olympic medalist Cindy Klassen will serve as a cbm Canada ambassador.

"We are delighted that Cindy Klassen , who is an inspiration to us all, has agreed to serve as an ambassador for cbm Canada , to shine the spotlight of public attention on the world's forgotten children, those with disabilities in developing countries," said Ed Epp , Executive Director, cbm Canada ."

The United Nations has designated Thursday, December 3 as the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

In recognition of this special designated day, cbm Canada is launching a public service announcement campaign featuring Klassen. The nationwide effort aims to increase awareness of the challenges faced by children with disabilities, and the vital work of cbm to transform their lives.

The organization asks television stations in major cities to air the PSA from December 3rd through the end of March 2010 , following the 2010 Winter Olympic/Paralympic Games in Vancouver .

After a serious speed skating accident in 2003, Canadian Cindy Klassen worked tenaciously to return to competition and go for the gold.

In a powerful public service announcement (PSA) for cbm Canada , Klassen says, "I could have given up. But, thanks to the love and support of family and friends, I didn't; I worked hard so I could compete at the highest level again and pursue my Olympic dream."

Klassen knows that not everyone is so fortunate.

"Children with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world face incredible challenges; for many of them it's a matter of life and death," says Klassen.

cbm Canada , an international Christian nonprofit organization, is bringing hope to these forgotten children of the world, those with disabilities, with the help of generous Canadians.

cbm's vision is to ensure basic human rights for each person with a disability in a developing country, to help each child achieve his/her potential.

Klassen invites Canadians to join her in supporting this important cause. For more information, the public is invited to visit cbm Canada's web site: www.cbmcanada.org, or call 1-800-567-2264.

For further information: Media contacts: Sandy Hazell, National Media Coordinator, cbm Canada, [email protected], www.cbmcanada.org, 1-800-567-2264, ext 246, [phone] (cell) Or Joyce Huyett Turner, Huyett Turner Communications, [phone], [phone] (cell), [email protected]