Denis Coderre Salutes Canada's Athletes Participating in Special Olympics
OTTAWA, March 1, 2001 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Denis Coderre today saluted the team that will represent Canada at the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games. The Canadian team left Vancouver today en route for Anchorage, Alaska, where the Games will take place from March 4 to 11. The Special Olympics are high level sports competitions in which athletes with mental disabilities take part."The participation of these athletes in games of this scope inspires us and makes us proud," declared Mr. Coderre. "I see in these Games an excellent opportunity to be reminded that equality and the participation of everyone in Canadian society are values that characterize sport and are important to Canadians."
The Government of Canada is proud to support the Special Olympics. Through Sport Canada, the Canadian Special Olympics received more than half a million dollars in 2000-2001. More than half of that sum was invested in the preparation of the Canadian team that will participate in the Games.
In all, more than 2,400 athletes and coaches from 74 countries will be in Anchorage. The Canadian team includes 72 athletes who will participate in six of the seven official sports of the Games: alpine skiing, cross country skiing, figure skating, speed skating, snowshoeing and floor hockey. Snowboarding is the only official sport in which Canadian athletes will not participate.
Information:
Akim Thibouthot
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 994-9909
[ Media Room ]
