TORONTO, Feb. 17, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust launched Heritage Week 2015 celebrations in the province with a kickoff event at Ryerson Athletic Centre, formerly Maple Leaf Gardens. In partnership with KidSport Ontario, today's Heritage Week launch focused on Ontario's sport heritage.
Hosted by CBC News Toronto anchors Anne-Marie Mediwake and Dwight Drummond, the program featured a special "Ask an Athlete" segment with current and retired Canadian athletes, including two-time Olympian Perdita Felicien. Attendees also participated in heritage expositions showcasing sport halls of fame from across Ontario, and tours of the former Maple Leaf Gardens; students tried a variety of sport activities.
Heritage Week – which runs from February 16 to 22 – is an annual celebration of Ontario's rich history and provides an opportunity to recognize the important work of heritage organizations and volunteers across the province. This year's theme – Play. Endure. Inspire. Ontario's sport heritage − explores the traditions, innovations and heroes of sport in Ontario. Many communities are hosting their own special events and activities, including exhibits, lectures, workshops and tours. For more information about Heritage Week activities throughout the province, visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca/hw2015.
QUOTES
"Drawing on cultural roots from across the province, across Canada and around the globe, Ontario's sport heritage reflects the immense diversity of our province. To a large extent, who we are as Ontarians and what we value is closely connected to the sports we play and follow, the sport traditions that endure and the heroes of sport who inspire us."
– Thomas H.B. Symons, Chairman, Ontario Heritage Trust
"As we get ready to welcome the world to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games this summer, we only need to look in our own backyard to see a rich history of sport excellence. Heritage Week is a great time to celebrate Ontario's vibrant sport legacy – one that reminds us of the skill, courage and perseverance of the athletes and coaches who have consistently raised the bar of achievement for all Ontarians."
– The Honourable Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
QUICK FACTS
- Heritage Week occurs every year during the third week of February.
- Led by the Ontario Heritage Trust, this week-long celebration recognizes the important work of heritage organizations and volunteers in the province.
- The Trust's theme for 2015 is Play. Endure. Inspire. Ontario's sport heritage.
- To promote the 2015 theme − Play. Endure. Inspire. Ontario's sport heritage – the Trust has launched an online sport heritage resource (www.heritagetrust.on.ca/sports), published a special edition of Heritage Matters magazine (www.heritagetrust.on.ca/hm) and will be delivering a sport-focused Doors Open Ontario 2015 season of 45 events in communities across the province from April to October (www.doorsopenontario.on.ca).
- Throughout 2015, the Trust will be hosting events and activities celebrating Ontario's sport heritage. Visit www.heritagetrust.on.ca to find an event near you.
LEARN MORE
Find out more about Heritage Week 2015 events and activities happening across province at www.heritagetrust.on.ca/hw2015.
The Ontario Heritage Trust is an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to identifying, preserving, protecting and promoting Ontario's heritage.
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Ontario Heritage Trust
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Heritage Ontario
www.heritagetrust.on.ca
SOURCE Ontario Heritage Trust
about the Ontario Heritage Trust, contact Natasha Williams at 416-325-5074 or [email protected].
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