Special Olympics 2017 Team Canada to Be Celebrated in Ottawa

OTTAWA – The Government of Canada, in partnership with Special Olympics Canada, will host approximately 135 Canadian athletes, coaches and mission personnel in Ottawa on Wednesday to celebrate their achievements at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. The celebration begins with community events with local students in the morning and will conclude with an official visit to Parliament Hill.

Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

The details are as follows:

Activity #1: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

WHAT:

Team Canada athletes will be honoured by Notre Dame High School students and school officials. The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, will deliver remarks. He will be joined by Michael Curry, Principal, and Rick Ronberg, Inclusion Coordinator, Notre Dame High School; as well as Jamie Salé, Olympic gold medallist in figure skating and Honorary Coach for the 2017 Special Olympics Team Canada; and Marian Coulson, Team Canada Chef de Mission for the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

DATE:
Wednesday, November 29, 2017

TIME:
9:15 a.m.

PLACE:
Notre Dame High School
710 Broadview Ave
Ottawa, Ontario

Note: Members of the media who wish to interview athletes must pre-register with Boost PR at 647-242-3686.

Activity #2: HOUSE OF COMMONS TRIBUTE

Athletes and coaches will be recognized for their accomplishments at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games by all members of Parliament in the House of Commons.

DATE:
Wednesday, November 29, 2017

TIME:
3:00 p.m.

PLACE:
House of Commons
Parliament of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario

Note: Journalists who are not members of the National Press Gallery will require accreditation in advance. For more information, contact marc.fortier@parl.gc.ca.

Activity #3: RECEPTION AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES

DATE:
Wednesday, November 29, 2017

TIME:
3:30 p.m.

PLACE:
Room 237-C
Parliament of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario

Note: Media will only be admitted for the official remarks.

Note: Journalists who are not members of the National Press Gallery will require accreditation in advance. For more information, contact marc.fortier@parl.gc.ca.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Government of Canada

Jane Almeida
Director, Communications
Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
819-639-3645
jane.almeida@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

Special Olympics Canada

Christine Mulkins
Boost PR
647-242-3686
cmulkins@rogers.com

Allison Love
Communications Officer
Alove@specialolympics.ca
1-888-888-0608, ext. 4312 (toll free)