Nationwide celebration honours fans and turns red shoe laces into symbol of support
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
- Special Olympics athlete oath
TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Special Olympics Canada is proud to announce the first annual Be a fan Day, taking place in communities across Canada on October 25, 2012.
The call is simple -- Canadians from across the country are being asked to lace up in bright red shoe laces as a symbol of their support, and to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Proceeds from the sale of these laces will go to enrich and inspire the lives of more than 35,000 Canadians with intellectual disabilities each year through sport.
Be a fan Day was created to honour those who make Special Olympics possible, including athletes, volunteers and in particular those in the Canadian law enforcement community. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), a cherished fundraiser that raises significant support and awareness for Special Olympics in communities across Canada. To commemorate this longstanding partnership, Special Olympics will be teaming up with local police services across the country to host Be a fan Day celebrations.
"Canada's law enforcement community has raised $40 million over 25 years for Special Olympics Canada and our programs running in communities nationwide," said Lindsay Glassco, President and CEO, Special Olympics Canada. "Special Olympics created Be a fan Day to celebrate this important partnership as well as the extraordinary athletes, coaches, and volunteers who make Special Olympics such a transformative experience for all."
By visiting www.beafancanada.com and making a donation of $5 or more, Canadians will receive a pair of Special Olympics red laces to wear on Be a fan Day. Laces are also available in Foot Locker retail locations nationwide. In addition, community events will be taking place across the country and Canadians are invited to come out and show their support.
"I am pleased to join our inspiring Special Olympians in celebrating the first annual Be a Fan Day," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "As a proud supporter of Special Olympics Canada, our Government is pleased to help spread awareness of athletes with intellectual disabilities and to recognize the outpouring of community support for these amazing role models. I encourage all Canadians to show their support for this wonderful campaign."
Special Olympics Canada is grateful to AMJ Campbell, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Hockey League, Footlocker and the Knights of Columbus for their national support of Be a fan Day.
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 out of sport clubs in all Canadian provinces and territories, except Nunavut, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sports to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 35,000 children, youth and adults with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada, and they are supported by more than 17,100 volunteers, including more than 13,500 trained coaches.
For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and on Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).
SOURCE: Special Olympics Canada
Media Contacts:
Veritas Communications
Cayley Kochel
Veritas Communications
416 955 4572
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Special Olympics Canada
Mary-Margaret Jones
Marketing and Public Relations
Special Olympics Canada
416 927 9050 ext. 4383
[email protected]
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