News Releases

SPECIAL OLYMPICS RUN BY FEDERAL INMATES

Ottawa, July 2, 2003 - This month hundreds of federal inmates serving sentences in four penitentiaries operated by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will again host Olympic-style events for developmentally challenged people living in communities. Many participants look forward to returning each year to take part in these games and activities.

Each year, in what has become a long-time tradition and a fine example of strengthening connections with community organizations, inmates at Collins Bay Institution (Kingston, Ontario), Leclerc Institution (Laval, Quebec) and Mission Institution (Mission, British Columbia) have organized, with the assistance of staff and many volunteers, games and activities for these special people. CSC is pleased to say that this show of goodwill has spread to inmates at Springhill Institution (Springhill, Nova Scotia) who will also participate this year.

"These special Olympic events allow inmates to work with community organizations and contribute positively to society," said Federal Solicitor General Wayne Easter.

CSC is committed to serving Canadians and giving back to communities. It provides opportunities for inmates to contribute to such worthwhile initiatives. Everyone involved gets to participate in a rewarding experience. "Key to the success of these events has been the cooperation and communication between CSC staff and inmate organizers who work together to ensure that everything is ready for our special guests," says Lucie McClung, Commissioner of CSC. Organizing committees work year-round to make sure that these events are a success. Volunteers play an active role in all events.

Leclerc will hold its one-day event on July 4; Springhill's activity day will take place on July 17; Collins Bay's two-day event is set for July 19 and 20; and Mission will host its activity day on July 25.

Media are invited to attend the events in any of the four locations.

For further information, please contact the following: