COC to Spread Olympic Spirit Across Atlantic Canada

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is set to land in Atlantic Canada next month for its signature annual event and celebration, as the Olympic family gathers once again for the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala Dinner & Induction Ceremony in the lively city of Moncton, N.B., on April 16.

At the centre of the festivities are 2011 Hall of Fame inductees Melody Davidson (hockey), Marc Lemay (cycling), David MacEachern (bobsleigh), Curtis Myden (swimming) and Elvis Stojko (figure skating).

The COC announced today a series of events that will roll across the Atlantic provinces leading into the Hall of Fame Gala, as well as a star-studded line-up of Olympians and performing artists who will light up the night in Moncton.

“We will wrap Atlantic Canada in the Olympic Movement,” said COC CEO and Secretary General Jean R. Dupré. “Passion for athletes has never been so high in this country, and the COC will harness this momentum with its Hall of Fame celebration. This year’s events during the Hall of Fame Week are like none ever before, and will be a real delight for Canadians on the East Coast.”

Canadian Olympic Heroes Tour – Atlantic Canada
April 11-14

The COC will embark on a first-ever “Olympic Heroes Tour” that will feature seven Olympic medallists and two Paralympians spreading Olympic spirit and inspiring personal excellence through Atlantic Canada. The group of Olympians include speed skater Denny Morrison (gold, silver), rower Adam Kreek (gold), short track speed skater Tania Vicent (two silver, two bronze), bobsledders Kaillie Humphries (gold), Heather Moyse (gold), David Bissett (bronze) and Chris Le Bihan (bronze).

“I’m very excited to be involved in this amazing adventure through four provinces with my fellow Olympians,” said Vicent. “It’s important for Olympians to give back to the communities that support us. I can’t wait to bring energy and excitement from Vancouver 2010 to the East Coast and share it with Canadians who cheered so passionately a year ago.”

The Tour will rekindle the spirit felt in these communities during the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, and will reach Halifax, St. John’s, Charlottetown and Summerside, P.E.I. A series of community events along the way will celebrate not only the Canadian Olympic Movement, but also national heroes, local heroes and the unspoken heroes within us.

Here is a brief overview of the four-day Tour:

Halifax, April 11 – The Tour reaches Canadian Forces Base Halifax to share inspiring stories and to shine the spotlight on our country’s everyday heroes: the men and women of the Navy, Army and Air Force. Later, the athletes will offer insights to members of Team Nova Scotia from the recent Canada Games, in conjunction with the Canadian Sport Centre as part of a Performance Excellence Series. It concludes with a trip to Ronald McDonald House at the IWK Health Centre.

St. John’s, April 12 – On the 31st anniversary of Terry Fox’s quest across Canada, the Olympians and Paralympians will participate in a ceremony at Terry Fox Mile Zero, a celebration of Olympic heroes at City Hall and a visit to Janeway Children’s Hospital.

Charlottetown, April 13 – The Tour will bring Olympic-sized inspiration to the QE Children’s Hospital followed by a special event at City Hall.

Summerside, April 13 – Summerside will be inspired by hometown hero Heather Moyse and other Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they visit Moyse’s alma matter, Summerside Intermediate School.

As part of its community outreach initiative in the Moncton area, the COC will host the second part of the Performance Excellence Series at the University of Moncton on Friday, April 15. Olympians will also attend a meet and greet at the Moncton Market on Saturday, April 16.

Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony
Moncton, April 16

The COC’s sparkling Gala will be held the evening of Saturday, April 16 at Casino New Brunswick. Hall of Fame inductees Davidson, Lemay, MacEachern, Myden and Stojko will be honoured at the event that will include a full artistic program. Musicians on the bill include Canadian legend Jann Arden, pianist and composer Stephan Moccio, the Arkells and Maritime fiddler and folk star Samantha Robichaud.

As well, more than 40 Olympians will attend the spectacular event, which serves as one of the Canadian Olympic Team’s most important fundraisers. Proceeds go directly to the Canadian Olympic Team in support of Canada’s high performance athletes. Tables are still available, and can be purchased at (An official tax receipt may be issued upon request for the amount allowable under Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.)

COC Board and Session Meetings
Moncton, April 15-17

The COC will hold its Board and Session meetings in Moncton, bringing together the leaders of Canada’s high performance sport community. The COC has graciously accepted an offer from the City of Moncton to hold a closed Board of Directors meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers on Friday, April 15.

On Saturday, the winter and summer National Sport Federations (NSF) will hold their caucus meetings at the Moncton Coliseum. This will be followed by the COC’s Session Meetings, an important arena within which the sport community will discuss Canada’s goal of striving for success on the Olympic stage. There, the COC will also hold its quadrennial elections to determine six “B” Session and six Board of Directors positions which are up for re-election.

On Sunday, the Hall of Fame weekend will conclude at the Moncton Coliseum with the second Session meeting, followed by workshops focused on Canadian sport policy review.

March 16 Press Kit