Sport community joins in JUNO night

When it comes to music that really moves you, Canada’s Olympic athletes know what they’re talking about. On Sunday, April 1st, London 2012 Olympic Hopefuls will join the celebration of Canadian achievement in recorded music at the 2012 JUNO Awards. They include:

Presenting JUNO Award:

  • Two-time Olympic silver medallist, diver Alexandre Despatie (Juno Award Presenter)
  • Olympian and two-time World Championship medallist, diver Jennifer Abel (Juno Award Presenter)

Attending JUNO Awards:

  • Three-time Olympic medallist, kayaker Adam van Koeverden
  • Three-time World Champion and five-time Pan American gold medalist, boxer Mary Spencer
  • Olympian and two-time World Junior Champion, sprint canoer Mark Oldershaw
  • 2007 World Championships and 2011 Pan American Games gold medalist, trampoline gymnast Rosie MacLennan
  • Canada’s top ranked hurdler and 2012 Olympic hopeful, hurdler Nikkita Holder
  • Olympian and two-time World Championship silver medallist and one-time bronze medallist, rower Andréanne Morin
  • Olympian, 2011 Pan American Games gold medalist and two-time World Aquatics Championship bronze medallist, synchronized swimmer Élise Marcotte
  • Olympian, 2011 Pan American Games gold medalist and 2011 FINA World Aquatic Championships bronze medallist, synchronized swimmer Tracy Little

“I’m very excited to be presenting an award alongside my teammate Jennifer Abel,” said Alexandre Despatie. “I look forward to meeting some of my favourite Canadian artists and representing the Canadian Olympic Team.”

“I have been a great fan of music since I was a little girl, so to actually be part of the event is truly exciting,” said Jennifer Abel. “Alex (Despatie) and I are used to performing in front of large crowds but presenting a music award is an honour. Looking forward to it!”

“I’ve had the pleasure of attending the JUNO Awards in the past and they are always a lot of fun,” said Adam van Koeverden. “Music always plays such a huge part in getting an athlete pumped before training and competitions.”

“I am looking forward to seeing amazing musical talent all in one venue at the JUNO Awards this Sunday,” said Mary Spencer. “Listening to my favourite artists while I train definitely plays a part in keeping me motivated.”

“I am excited to be attending the awards on Sunday,” said Mark Oldershaw. “2012 won’t only be a great year for Canadian music but for Canadian athletes too.”

“This will be my first time attending the JUNO Awards and I’m extremely excited,” said Rosie MacLennan. “To see many of the artists that you listen to while training everyday will be an amazing experience.” “I have always enjoyed watching the JUNO Awards so to be there live, celebrating Canadian talent, is simply awesome,” said Nikkita Holder. “It’s going to be a great night.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing some of my favourite bands perform and celebrate great Canadian music”, said Andréanne Morin. “Music not only helps get an athlete pumped up, but also helps an athlete unwind after competitions”.

“Music is such a huge part of my sport,” said Élise Marcotte. “Finding the right piece of music for the team is key, so I’m excited to see so many of the great artists we listen to everyday.”

“I am really excited about the JUNO Awards,” said Tracy Little. “Synchronized swimming is a sport that goes hand in hand with great music.”

The JUNO Awards is Canada’s premiere music awards show. It is the culmination of a week-long celebration of Canadian music, where Canadian artists are recognized for excellence of achievement in recorded music. JUNO Week 2012 will be held in Ottawa from March 26 to April 1.

Follow the athletes on Twitter: @ADespatie; @JennAbel91; @canadianboxer; @vankayak; @MarkOldershaw; @RosieMacLennan; @Brownnstone; @andiemorin; @elisemarcotte; @Tracy_Little

Canadian Olympic Committee Media Office:
Jane Almeida, Manager, Media Relations
Tel: 416-324-4120 / Cell. : 416-540-1788
Email: jalmeida@olympic.ca