Toronto, ON (March 11, 2011) – As Canada celebrates the one year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and Petro-Canada, a Suncor Energy Business, announced their winner of the ‘It’s the Real Deal’ Paralympic Schools Program essay contest.
The contest was held to celebrate and remember the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games which took place one year ago. The CPC encouraged teachers across Canada to have their students write an essay (400 words or less) on which Paralympic sport they would like to try and why.
From more than 400 entries, Induja Chandrakumar, a grade eight student from Wilclay Public School was the grand prize winner with her essay titled “Free” where she put herself in the shoes of a visually impaired Para-Alpine skier.
It was fitting that Para-Alpine athlete and 2010 silver medalist, Josh Dueck, visited Induja’s Wilclay Public School in Markham today and presented her with a 2010 Paralympic Games memorabilia prize pack. Induja and her class also had the privilege of interacting with Josh over lunch and heard his inspiring story.
“The essay contest provided youth across the country with an opportunity not only to remember and celebrate the 2010 Paralympic Games and the success of Team Canada but also to learn more about our athletes, Paralympic sports and the inspiring stories behind the Paralympic dream.” said Henry Storgaard, Chief Executive Officer & Secretary General of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
The Petro-Canada ‘It’s the Real Deal’ Paralympic Schools Program is a free online teachers resource that provides Canadian students with the unique opportunity to learn more about the Paralympic movement, Paralympic athletes and the challenges of real life. It is aimed at ages 9-13 and offers lesson plans, and activities geared towards language arts, physical education, visual arts, mathematics and social science. The program emphasizes the significance of inclusion and equity within our society.
For further information, please contact:
Mark Dottori
Canadian Paralympic Committee
613.294.5951
mdottori@paralympic.ca
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About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46
member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s vision is to be the world’s leading
Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable
Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the
Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting
their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a
disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member
organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.
