The creators of the top three posters in the national contest will not only win 2008 Team Canada merchandise and clothing, but will also have their posters hung in Petro-Canada stations across Canada and in the Canadian athletes’ lounge at the Paralympic Village in Beijing, China.
“We would like as many Canadians as possible to join us on the road to Beijing 2008, and experience the spirit of the Paralympic Games,” said Debbie Low, the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s 2008 Beijing Games Chef de Mission. “This poster contest will provide youth across the country with an opportunity to learn about our athletes, Paralympic sports and the inspiring stories behind the Paralympic dream, and then to put on their thinking caps and get drawing.”
The contest, being run under the CPC’s free online schools program sponsored by Petro-Canada called It’s the Real Deal, is open to students in grades four to eight. The theme of the poster contest is “Beijing 2008: One Dream, Becoming Better Together.”
The Petro-Canada “It’s The Real Deal” Paralympic Schools Program is a free online schools program that includes downloadable interactive activities, athlete interviews and photos for students and aims to raise awareness of Paralympic sport and athletes with a physical disability.
“It’s exciting to see students creatively engage with the Paralympic Movement through Petro-Canada’s “It’s the Real Deal” Paralympic Schools Program,” said Petro-Canada’s Director of Olympic and Community Partnerships, Steven Keith.
It is free to enter the contest, but all entries must come from students enrolled in a recognized Canadian school. Entries must be received in the mail at the CPC office (It’s The Real Deal, Canadian Paralympic Committee, 85 Albert Street, Suite 1401, Ottawa, ON, K1P 6A4) no later than May 9 at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard time.
For complete contest details and entry forms, go to www.paralympiceducation.ca. Submissions will be judged by a jury made up of members of the CPC and Petro-Canada.
“The posters will help students across the country get into the Paralympic spirit,” said CPC President Carla Qualtrough. “Paralympic sport is about sheer athletic determination and skill. We’re looking forward to being inspired by Canada’s elite-level athletes with a physical disability as they compete at the upcoming Paralympic Games.”
The Beijing Paralympic Summer Games run from September 6-17, 2008 in China.
