Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Salutes Special Olympics World Summer Games Athletes Departing for Dublin
OTTAWA, June 15, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Paul DeVillers today saluted Team Canada athletes who will be participating in the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland, from June 21-29."Being at the Games is a great opportunity for our athletes," said Mr. DeVillers.
"These Games are an excellent opportunity to be reminded that equality and the participation of everyone in Canadian society are values that characterize sport and are important for Canadians."
The Government of Canada is proud to support the Special Olympics. Through Sport Canada, the Canadian Special Olympics team received approximately $250,000 in 2002-2003 toward planning and preparing for the Games.
More than 50 Canadian athletes will participate in six sports: athletics, swimming, ten-pin bowling, soccer, rhythmic gymnastics, and power lifting. More than 80 delegates, including coaches and staff, arrive in Dublin on June 20.
The opening ceremonies of the 2003 World Summer Games will take place on June 21, and competition will take place over nine days at venues in and around Dublin. More than 7000 athletes with a mental disability from around the world will showcase their athletic skills, courage, and pride at the Games. These Games are the largest sporting and cultural event ever staged in Ireland, and are the first World Summer Games to be held outside the United States.
A feature of these World Games is the Host Town Program. All participating teams will be hosted by local communities. Canada's host town is Enniscorthy, which is located in the County Wexford. The program provides the opportunity for each team to relax, acclimatize, and train before moving to their Games accommodations on June 20.
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 953-7329
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