September 15, 2010 (Ottawa) - September 18th marks the first-ever Sports Day in Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee and its members are proud to invite Canadians to experience first-hand various Paralympic sports during hands-on sport demonstrations in Ottawa (ON) and Richmond (BC). With only 3% of people with disabilities physically active, this event will bring attention to the importance of sport in the lives of all Canadians, especially those with a physical disability. In partnership with many sports organizations, Canadians of all ages and abilities will have the unique opportunity to get active and join Paralympians in a wide variety of Paralympic sports while celebrating this national landmark event – Sports Day in Canada – and raising the awareness of the benefits of participating in sport.
WHERE, WHEN & HOW?
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Ottawa, ON |
Richmond, BC |
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As the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees compete against the McMaster Marauders in an exciting homecoming game, Paralympians from athletics, wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey, and many more sports will be on site, demonstrating their sports and teaching Canadians how to play! WHERE: Lansdowne Park; 1015 Bank St, Ottawa ON, K1S 3W7 WHEN: September 18, from 12 to 4pm COST: Group tickets are available at a rate of $4 if ordered in advance, or can be purchased on site at a rate of $4 (children) or $12 (adults). To order your tickets, contact Jessica Damery at jdamery@uottawa.ca WHO? MEET WITH: Sledge Hockey players Jean Labonté, Shawn Matheson, Todd Nicholson and Hervé Lord Nordic skiers Alexei Novikov and Margarita Gorbounova Athletics athletes Jacques Bouchard and Leah Robinson Goalball player Amy Kneebone |
On September 18th, the public is invited to experience goalball, para-athletics, wheelchair basketball and many other sports alongside Canada’s Paralympians! In addition, other sport representatives will be onsite to provide instruction to Canadians of all ages and abilities to experience Paralympic sports. WHERE: Richmond Oval; 6111 River Road, Richmond, BC V7C 0A2 WHEN: September 18, from 11am to 2pm COST: It’s FREE! WHO?
MEET WITH: Wheelchair Curling players, Chris Daw and Darryl Neighbour Boccia player, Alison Kabush Wheelchair Tennis player, Sarah Hunter Nordic skier, Lou Gibson |
WANT
TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SPORTS DAY?
Sports Day in Canada is a national celebration of sport, from grassroots to high-performance levels, in communities across Canada. Sports Day in Canada caps off a week of thousands of local sporting events and activities, open houses and try-it days showcasing sport at all levels, and includes a special television broadcast on CBC Sports.
Sports Day in Canada is presented by CBC Sports, ParticipACTION and True Sport and is guided by a committee of national sporting organizations including the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).
To learn more or to search for events in your community, visit www.cbc.ca/sports/sportsday/.
About the Canadian
Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee (“the CPC”) is a non-profit, private organisation with 43 member sports organisations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The CPC is responsible for creating an optimal high-performance environment for Canadian Paralympic athletes to win at Paralympic and ParaPanAmerican Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the CPC inspires all Canadians with a physical disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organisations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.
About the Richmond Olympic Oval
Built for the Games. Designed for Legacy. The Richmond Olympic Oval is a breathtaking venue on the banks of the Fraser River and winner of the Institution of Structural Engineers top award for Sports or Leisure Structures. Home to long track speed skating during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the Oval re-opened to public programming April 1, 2010. The facility’s Olympic Legacy conversion is scheduled for completion by fall 2010 and will offer an inspiring environment for all ages and skill levels to progress towards their own personal podiums.
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For more information about Paralympic Sport Demonstrations, contact:
Marie-Hélène Cayer
Canadian Paralympic Committee
mcayer@paralympic.ca
Office: 613.569.4333 ext.227
Cell: 613.293.3358
For more information about Sports Day in Canada, contact:
Katherine Janson
Participaction
kjanson@participaction.com
416.913.1471
