TORONTO, December 6, 2007 - The Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport) paid tribute yesterday to Canada's Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and volunteers, as well as their friends and families, at the 25th Anniversary Special Olympics Festival Breakfast.
"Our Government is proud to support Special Olympics Canada, an organization that exemplifies the spirit of fair play, excellence, and inclusiveness," said Secretary of State Guergis. "I congratulate all the athletes, coaches, and volunteers who represented Canada at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, in Shanghai, and thank the National Awards recipients who, through their outstanding dedication, further strengthen the Special Olympics movement in Canada."
"We are grateful for the continued support that we receive from the Government of Canada," said Keith Pelley, Chair of the Special Olympics Festival. "This federal support for Special Olympics Canada will ensure the ongoing growth of sport programs and competitive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities."
The following awards were handed out on December 4, during the Special Olympics Canada National Awards Evening:
Female Athlete of the Year: Pauline Shaw, British Columbia
Male Athlete of the Year: Jason Richardson, Ontario
Team of the Year: Surrey Vipers Soccer Team, British Columbia
Female Coach of the Year: Jackie Powell, Saskatchewan
Male Coach of the Year: Ian Pavlik, Ontario
The Jim Thompson Award: Evan Ash, Newfoundland
National Special Olympics Festival Volunteer of the Year: Lorna Fleming, Nova Scotia
The Harry "Red" Foster Award: David Garard, Ontario
Special Olympics Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities to 31 000 athletes of all ages and abilities. Nationwide, more than 10 000 certified volunteer coaches are currently involved with Special Olympics programs in virtually every community.
The Special Olympics Festival began in Toronto, 25 years ago, and has since developed into the signature national fundraising program supporting Special Olympics programs across Canada. This year's festival, held on December 5, featured a full day of events, including the Special Olympics Festival Celebrity Breakfast and a Black Tie Gala.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport, providing more than $140 million to support participation and excellence in sport, from the playground to the podium. Special Olympics Canada received more than $1.2 million in federal support in 2007-2008, including $350,000 to support athletes who competed in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, in Shanghai.
Information:
Jeffrey Kroeker
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613 995-1293
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
