Suffering from an extremely rare illness, Gregory is granted his wish and
participates in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament!

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 27 /CNW/ - Gregory Herbert is a 12-year-old boy. He fell ill suddenly at the age of 10. Several organs were attacked, including his eyes, brain, kidneys and heart, by a genetic mitochondrial disease that is rather unknown to doctors. Thanks to the Children's Wish Foundation, Gregory will experience his fondest wish and participate in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament this February!

Gregory has been playing hockey since he's four years old. Because of his illness and month-long stays at the hospital, the boy had to interrupt his training for the season. He has since started playing hockey again, as he's begun to feel much better. "Hockey is one of my son's main sources of motivation," exclaimed Bruce Herbert , Gregory's father. "Hockey is his main focus and he is extremely happy and proud to be able to participate in the tournament this year. For him, this is a wish come true!", he added. So, Gregory will play for the Lachine Maroons in the Inter B category. Their first game will be on Saturday, February 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Pepsi Coliseum. Good luck, Gregory!

The Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

The 51st Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, will take place from February 11th to 21st at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec . It is the world's most important minor hockey tournament, grouping young hockey players (11 and 12 years old). About 2300 young hockey players from 16 countries come to Quebec for this event. Many National Hockey League stars have played this tournament including Brad Park , Guy Lafleur , Marcel Dionne , Gilbert Perrault , Mark Howe , Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux , Sylvain Côté, Eric Lindros, and many others. www.tournoipee-wee.qc.ca

The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

Each year, thousands of Canadian children between the ages of 3 and 17 are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Since 1984, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada has worked tirelessly to grant exceptional wishes to 15,000 children and their families.

This year, the Foundation expects to grant 1,000 new wishes as it commemorates 25 years of service across Canada . The Foundation has never refused a wish to an eligible child, and with the help of volunteers and generous donors, is able to grant nearly three wishes every day. Each wish is an individual adventure, carefully structured to meet the needs of a particular child and family.

The Foundation is a grassroots charity with chapters in every province and territory. For information on Children's Wish, log onto www.childrenswish.ca

For further information: Anne Dongois, Media Relations, [phone], [email protected]