OTTAWA, September 28, 2004 -- Canadian Paralympic athlete Jeff Adams today climbed to the summit of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, in his wheelchair to highlight the abilities of athletes with a disability. The event was organized by the Government of Canada, in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture. "The Government of Canada is proud to support Mr. Adams' important climb," said Senator Joyce Fairbairn on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Liza Frulla. "Mr. Adams' effort brings awareness to the tremendous talent and skill of athletes with a disability. Mr. Adams embodies the spirit of the Paralympic movement and is a positive example and role model for all Canadians."A number of athletes and officials joined Mr. Adams' climb, while Greek school children lined the route toward the summit."Canadians are inspired by our athletes' dedication and perseverance. Their pursuit and accomplishment of excellence encourage us all to participate and excel in sports, and in all aspects of life," said the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "As we work toward building a sport system that is more responsive to the needs of all athletes, we will continue to ensure that athletes with a disability have the resources they need to reach the highest levels in sport."Mr. Jeff Adams, who is competing in the 2004 Paralympic Games, has participated in previous public awareness efforts. On September 26, 2002, Mr. Adams climbed the CN Tower in Toronto in a wheelchair to promote awareness of accessibility issues and to raise funds for a school outreach program that aims to change existing stereotypes of people with a disability. Mr. Adams is a multiple medallist from four Paralympic Games, a six-time world champion, and a previous world record holder in the 1500m and 400m Wheelchair races. In the lead up to the Paralympic Games, the Canadian Embassy in Athens has organized a series of initiatives to raise awareness of people with disabilities within the local Athens community. Through the legacy initiatives, the Canadian Embassy donated wheelchairs to Greek wheelchair basketball athletes, organized performances of disabled artists, and developed a school outreach program where Canadian artists and athletes visit schoolchildren. The Government of Canada is proud to support Canada's Paralympic athletes and to help raise the profile of the Paralympic movement. The Government of Canada is providing $1,540,000 to the Canadian Paralympic Committee in 2004-05, including support for the CPC's Athens Paralympic Games mission. Through Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program (AAP), $2.2 million was provided to 196 Paralympic-stream athletes in 2003-04. In addition, Sport Canada provided approximately $2.5 million in 2003-04 to national sport organizations to support the training and competition needs of athletes with a disability.The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $120 million is being provided in 2004-05 to support initiatives for our high-performance athletes and for the increased participation by Canadians in sport. For more information on Government of Canada support for Canada's Paralympic Team, visit http://www.pch.gc.ca/special/olympic/omnipages/support_e.cfmInformation:Donald BoulangerPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage(819) 997-7788Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
