Saskatchewan Paralympic Athletes Dreaming of Gold
REGINA, September 30, 2000 -- The Saskatchewan athletes of the Canadian Paralympic Team to compete in Sydney, Australia in October were introduced this afternoon by federal Secretary of State for amateur sport Denis Coderre and Saskatchewan Minister of Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing Jack Hillson.Mr. Coderre took the opportunity to offer his best wishes to the Canadian Paralympic Team for the upcoming Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. "The success of Paralympic athletes is the result of constant efforts and outstanding force of character. These athletes are vital models of inspiration for us all."
"We know these young Saskatchewan women and men will make the province and the country proud with their skill, sportsmanship and competitive spirit," Hillson said.
The Saskatchewan athletes have distinguished themselves in past competition in their respective sports.
Saskatonian Amy Alsop has been playing goalball for seven years, earning many medals and honors as a member of Team Saskatchewan, including a first and second-place showing at the nationals last year.
Mike Bacon of Saskatoon is a 10-year veteran of the National Wheelchair Rugby Team and was named an all-star at the national championships in both 1999 and 2000. He brought home a silver medal from the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games.
Saskatonian Colette Bourgonje has competed at three Winter Paralympics and two Summer Paralympics, winning two silver medals at Nagano and two bronze medals at Atlanta.
Lisa Franks hails from Moose Jaw and has been on the National Wheelchair Athletics Team for one year, having also competed in two Jeux du Canada Games. Lisa placed first in five events at the Australian Southern Cross Games in 1999, establishing a world record in the 5,000 meters.
Pilot Butte native Clayton Gerein is a world record-holder in the 1,500 and 5,000-meter events. He also won gold in the marathon at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics Games.
Rick Reelie of Saskatoon has been a national team member since 1988, placing first in both the 400- and 800-meter events and second in the 200 and 1,500-meter events at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games.
Saskatonian Allan Semeniuk was named an all-star at both the 1999 and 2000 Canadian Wheelchair Rugby Championships. He has been on the National Wheelchair Rugby Team since 1993, representing Canada at two world championships and the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games, where he earned a silver medal.
Joey Stabner hails from Saskatoon and has been a member of the Canadian National Disabled Volleyball Team since 1995. The team won a bronze medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games, earning the right to compete at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games.
Daryl Stubel of Regina is co-captain of the National Wheelchair Rugby Team and also competes in individual sports. He earned a silver medal in the 400 meters at the 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul, Korea and won a silver medal in rugby at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics.
In addition, Saskatchewan's Wayne Hellquist has been chosen as the Chef de Mission for the Canadian Paralympic Team for the 2000 Games. Also going to Sydney from Saskatchewan are wheelchair sports coach Judy Peddle of Saskatoon and goalball coach Launel Scott of Saskatoon.
Information:
Akim I. Thibouthot
Communications Advisor
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 994-9909
Maureen Boyle
Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing
Regina
(306) 787-5959
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