OTTAWA, June 5, 2009 - Laurie Hawn, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre), on behalf of the Government of Canada, celebrated with the Canadian Forces at the Walk/Run in Red. At the event, organized by the Department of National Defence to mark Canadian Forces Day, it was announced that 200 Olympic torchbearer spots will be awarded to CF and DND members and their families, as the relay visits 14 Canadian military bases.
"All Canadians are proud of the dedication and hard work of our Canadian Forces. Members of the CF and DND and their families are making sacrifices for our country and, in turn, we are expressing our appreciation by making sure the Relay visits their bases, and that some have the unforgettable experience of carrying the Olympic Flame," said Mr. Hawn.
"There are less than six months to go until the Relay begins, so I strongly encourage all Canadians to share in the excitement for the Games and apply today to carry the Olympic torch," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport).
Our Government is working with our Olympic Torch Relay partners--Coca-Cola and RBC, and VANOC--to make sure Canadians have the chance to celebrate our athletes and be a part of what will be Canada's Games in 2010.
To learn more about how to participate in the relay, please visit www.carrythetorch.com.
Information:
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1131
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
