Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) and Deputy Prime Minister Launch 2002-2003 Esteem Team Tour
OTTAWA, October 28, 2002 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Paul DeVillers and the Director of ESTEEM Team Ian Bird today announced the kick-off of the ESTEEM Team 2002-2003 School Tour at Hillcrest High School, in Ottawa. Mr. DeVillers was joined by John Manley, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ottawa South.The ESTEEM Team is a national not-for-profit organization aimed at inspiring and educating youth to reach their full potential. Its tour program provides face-to-face, interactive presentations by olympic, paralympic and world class athletes geared toward youth of all backgrounds through schools, community centres and sports clubs.
"The athletes are positive role models for Canadian youth. They inspire young people to adopt healthy, positive attitudes and lifestyles, to get involved in sport and to set and reach goals that are important to them," said Secretary of State DeVillers.
The ESTEEM Team delivers approximately 3,000 school presentations each year in both official languages, reaching more than 500,000 youth in more than 400 communities across Canada.
"Participation in sport and physical activity can be a powerful, positive force in a young person's life," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "The Government of Canada is committed to promoting sport at all levels and to all ages. The athletes on the ESTEEM Team Tour do a great job of bringing their messages to young people across Canada."
ESTEEM Team has been operating in British Columbia since 1994. Following the success of the program in B.C., the Government of Canada contributed $130,000 for the ESTEEM Team National Athlete Role Model Program Pilot Project (Phase I), in September 2001, in order for the program to expand to reach Canadians in other provinces.
Recognizing the importance of the ESTEEM Team Tour, the Government of Canada is contributing $275,000 to the ESTEEM Team this year, so that it can continue to expand and reach young people throughout Canada.
"This year will be ground-breaking for the ESTEEM Team. Never before have we connected so many Canadian athletes with students and educators in as many communities across the country. ESTEEM Team athletes will speak to youth about their experiences inside and outside of sport and, most importantly, about the lessons they've learned along the way about setting goals, overcoming obstacles, becoming leaders, working with teammates, and achieving personal bests. Our partnership with the Government of Canada is a big reason why this is possible," said Ian Bird, Director of ESTEEM Team.
Information:
Jennifer Wesanko
Special Assistant
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 994-0375
[ Media Room ]
