The four-time Olympic medallist, posted a time of 3:39.1 while Brady Reardon of Oakville placed second with a time of 3:40.0. CanoeKayak Canada athletes and van Koeverden will now be heading to Poznan, Poland for the next World Cup May 31-June 2.

Related Tweet

Stoked to win my 1000m K1 race today & qually up for Worlds in August. Lots of work to be done! Thanks for the push homie Brady @_reardon!

— Adam van Koeverden (@vankayak) May 11, 2013

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It matters that you join your neighbours, your community and your country in celebration of
Queen Victoria on her birthday. After all, she’s the woman who started Canada on its road to independence, giving four British provinces to North America … giving the first stich in our Canadian flag.

Jesse Lumsden

“There’s only one reason that we do what we do,” said world silver medallist and 2010 Olympic bobsledder Jesse Lumsden. “To see the Maple Leaf rise above all the other flags, to hear the national anthem. It’s the ultimate reward in amateur sport. You can’t explain that feeling, but the emotion gets you every time. It doesn’t change. I feel like I’ve been lifted up by Canada.”

Lifted, indeed.

The Maple Leaf is stamped in every Canadian passport. It’s what Canadians root for, it’s what athletes tattoo on their flesh, it’s the emblam that lifts this nation to moments of greatness.

Christine Nesbitt

“My mom sent me three Maple Leaves in the mail this fall,” said three-time world champion and Olympic champion Christine Nesbitt just before the May long weekend. “It’s such a special thing to feel connected to this country — this amazingly diverse country.”

Nesbitt’s peer on ice and fellow member of the multiple-time world champion club Patrick Chan knows this feeling intimately and wears it on his sleeve with ultimate pride.

“I’m a first generation Chinese Canadian,” said Chan. “My parents came to this country for a better life, for better opportunities for myself, for their son … That’s why I wear the Maple Leaf proudly every single day. I’m so proud to see the flag rise and to hear the anthem. It’s a moment of sheer pride and honour just to be an ambassador of the country all over the world.”

When you celebrate this weekend, remember too those incredible Olympic moments you celebrated with the athletes and coaches.

It’s the Maple Leaf that made those moments possible.

Patrick Chan

“On behalf of the entire Canadian Olympic family, I want to sincerely congratulate Adham on today’s re-election and on the unparalleled commitment he has shown to the sport of Table Tennis, both here in Canada and around the world. I know that in addition to being President of the ITTF for the past 14 years, Adham has represented Canada in the Table Tennis community, in many different roles. Earning the trust of his colleagues once more is a tremendous accomplishment, and today’s re-election in Paris proves that the world of Table Tennis believes in the importance of Adham’s work and his dedication to the sport. We are all so very proud of you.”

- Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee

Sharara represented the Canadian national team as a player from 1972-1975.  He became the National Technical Director of Canadian Table Tennis Association (CTTA) from 1978-1982 and served as Canada’s national team coach from 1978-1980. Sharara was elected as Executive Vice-President of the ITTF in 1995 and went on to become President in 1999, where he has remained for 14 consecutive years. Today’s re-election means Sharara will serve as President for another four years with the aim of making Table Tennis one of the top five sports in the world.

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

Dimitri Soudas, Executive Director, Communications
Tel: 416-324-4136 / Cell: 289-388-6419
Email: dsoudas@olympic.ca

“On behalf of the entire Canadian Olympic family, I would like to congratulate Dr. Gaetan Tardif on his recent election. Through his many years of service to the athletes and coaches of the Canadian Paralympic Team, he has been a shining example of what it means to have vision, enthusiasm and a relentless work ethic. I have no doubt that Dr. Tardif will double his efforts as he and his new team continue the outstandingly progressive work that the Canadian Paralympic Committee is known for around the world.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank his predecessor, David Legg, for his invaluable contribution to the Paralympic movement in this country, and on behalf of the COC, wish him all the best in the future.”
- Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee

Fluently bilingual, Tardif has participated in seven consecutive Paralympic Games, most recently as Team Canada’s Chef de Mission at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Tardif is an academic physician and health care executive with leadership experience in several professional and not-for-profit organizations. He is Medical Program Director – Rehabilitation and Post-Acute Care at the University Health Network and a Professor in the Department of Medicine and director, Division of Physiatry (PM&R) at the University of Toronto.

Tardif has also served as Director of Administration and Chair of the HR Committee on the Canadian Paralympic Committee Board of Directors from 2008 to 2013 and was a member of the Games Committee from 2006 to 2013.

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

Dimitri Soudas, Executive Director, Communications
Tel: 416-324-4136 / Cell: 289-388-6419
Email: dsoudas@olympic.ca

Rowan Barrett, Canada Basketball’s Assistant GM and Executive VP of the Senior Men’s Program had this reaction: “I think it was pretty hard for him to loose with the choices that he had. In Kansas, he went with a coach…who has a tremendous track record of putting players in the position they need to be in offensively.”

Eighteen-year-old Thornhill, ON, native Andrew Wiggins (@22wiggins) has been tagged as the number one NCAA basketball prospect by everyone from ESPN to Rivals.com, and by many as a future NBA superstar.

Tomorrow, he will officially begin his journey by accepting an NCAA Division 1 scholarship to either Florida State (@Seminoles_com), Kansas (@KUathletics), Kentucky (@KentuckyMBB) or North Caronlina (@UNC_Basketball).

Wiggins also represents tremendous opportunity for Canada Basketball (@canbball) heading into the 2016 Rio Games and beyond – especially considering his Olympic bloodlines: his mother, Marita Payne-Wiggins, is a double silver medallist who competed in track and field for Canada in 1984 and 1988.

Regardless of his collegiate destination, we look forward to seeing more of Wiggins wearing the maple leaf on the global stage.

The Wiggins ‘Final Four’:

Florida State 

The Wiggins family has deep roots with Florida State. Both his mother and father, Mitchell, attended the university. Mother Marita was

Marita Payne-Wiggins (front) competes at the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles. Photo: Canadian Olympic Committee

the NCAA 400 meter champion in 1982 and 1984, and Mitchell – a former Canadian national team member as well – competed and was a star for two seasons for the FSU basketball team before turning pro. Playing for the Seminols would give Wiggins the opportunity to be the central figure of the team and test himself against bigger programs.

Kentucky  

The University of Kentucky already has the #1 recruiting class of 2013 (according to ESPN), thanks to several five-star recruits committing to the team for the fall. Aside from defending NCAA champions Louisville, Kentucky is also the current preseason favourite to win the 2014 title thanks to their new crop of talent and the many returning athletes from last year’s squad. This choice would allow Wiggins to be pushed to his limits against the best competition in practice every day. A big selling point is also coach John Callipari – a man with a reputation for turning athletes into pros after just one year of college play.

North Carolina 

Be like Mike? That’s the question for Wiggins as he has the opportunity to sign with Michael Jordan’s storied North Carolina Tar Heels. History has its appeal, as does the school’s schedule of high-level opponents to test Wiggins. NC is expected to be competitive next year and could make a deep run into March Madness with Wiggins as their leader, plus head coach Roy Williams has two NCAA titles under his belt (2005 and 2009).

Kansas

Want to talk about deep Canadian roots at a school? The first basketball coach at the University of Kansas was James Naismith – literally, basketball’s inventor. The team is coming off an appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament and is poised to do well again. Head coach Bill Self is a great motivator who knows how to win. Wiggins would turn into the focal point of the offence and would likely take on the scoring duties of the NBA-bound Ben McLemore.

Wiggins is expected to make his announcement by 12:15 p.m. EST.

- George Fadel

Related Videos

Related Tweets

Tomorrow will be a huge day for @22wiggins. All the best in making your big decision. ow.ly/kYjEH

— Canada Basketball (@CanBball) May 13, 2013

Arguably the best prep prospect since LeBron James, Andrew Wiggins will decide on Tuesday between four schools: on.si.com/125ZqQk

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 13, 2013

Leonard Hamilton Roy Williams-John Calipari-Bill Self will be nervous Tuesday when a call comes from Andrew Wigginsespn.go.com/mens-college-b…

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) May 13, 2013

Cool “@adamzagoria: Meet the Man Who Will Break the Andrew Wiggins Story zagsblog.com/articles/meet-… @granttraylor @rfulford @thebiglead”

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) May 13, 2013

“An athlete’s path to the podium is built on a foundation of coaching and passion and we owe a great debt to those who have selflessly contributed their talents to building Canadian sport excellence,” said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “Without the dedication of those we celebrate today, our nation’s Olympic movement would not be on such a dramatic trajectory and for that, we sincerely thank them.”

“I have been fortunate to have had experienced many unique moments in life, and being awarded this Diamond Jubilee medal will surely be remembered,” said Sally Rehorick, Chef de Mission, Salt Lake City 2002. “I can’t help but note all the incredible national heroes that have been granted this distinction and I am humbled to be included in this list of wonderful Canadians.”

“Being honoured in this fashion is incredibly special,” said Brittany Timko (soccer), London 2012 Bronze medallist. “To be personally recognized for our team’s contributions on the pitch last summer in London is something I am very thankful for. This medal will serve as a reminder of all the hard work and dedication that went along with our performances – moments that I am so incredibly lucky to have been able to share with so many Canadians across the country.”

“It was an honor to represent Canada at the London 2012 Paralympics,” said Ian Chan, a London 2012 silver medallist in wheelchair rugby. “It’s so nice to be recognized by our country and honored for our contributions to our communities. I am inspired to bring home a gold medal in Rio 2016!”

The following athletes were honoured today in Vancouver with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal:

London 2012 Olympians
Laura Brown, Cycling
William Dean, Rowing
Nikola Girke, Sailing
Brittany Timko, Soccer, Bronze Medallist

London 2012 Paralympians
Ian Chan, Wheelchair Rugby, 2-time Silver Medallist, Bronze Medallist
Eleonore Elston, Equestrian
Monica Martino, Boccia
Doug Ripley, Goalball
Ahmad Zeividavi, Goalball

In addition to the London 2012 Olympians and Paralympians, the ceremony also honoured 4 individuals who, over the course of their careers in Canadian sport, have helped to build the Olympic movement and contributed to the overall success of Canadian Olympic Teams.

Canadian Olympic Committee Builders 
Charmaine Crooks, five-time Olympian, Canadian Olympic Committee Board Member
Les McDonald, Former President Triathlon Canada, Former Member of the International Triathlon Union
Sally Rehorick, Chef de Mission, Salt Lake City 2002
Allan Wills, President, Archery Canada

The Diamond Jubilee medals have provided a unique opportunity to honour exceptional Canadians for their contributions to their fellow citizens, communities and country. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians from across the country and various walks of life have been recognized.

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

Dimitri Soudas, Executive Director, Communications
Tel: 416-324-4136 / Cell: 289-388-6419
Email: dsoudas@olympic.ca

Canadian Paralympic Committee Media Office:
Alison Korn, Manager, Media Relations and Communications
Phone: 613-569-4333, ext # 243 / Cell: 613-298-4927
Email: akorn@paralympic.ca

Martin Richard, Executive Director, Communications & Marketing
Phone: 613-569-4333, ext # 224 / Cell: 613-725-4339
Email: mrichard@paralympic.ca

“Canada has a worldwide reputation for delivering best-in-class Games preparation for our athletes, coaches and mission team and one need only look at this weekend’s activities to see why,” said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “Virtually every moment – whether it was for education, relaxation or to simply get to know each other – was designed to help ensure that the Canadian Olympic Team entering Sochi’s Fisht Olympic Stadium is practically and purposefully equipped to deal with whatever occurs, both on and off the field of play.”

“Every Canadian athlete here this weekend knows how to win, but so too does any athlete who makes it to the Olympic Games,” said Canadian Olympic Team Chef de Mission for Sochi 2014, Steve Podborski. “The goal of OES is to protect peak performance by helping the participants be more prepared – individually and as a team.”

“Every single person here this weekend has a role to play in the success of the Canadian Olympic Team in Sochi,” said Canadian Olympic Team Assistant Chef de Mission for Sochi 2014, Jean-Luc Brassard. “Being together in this way now will make such a difference next February and it’s been so great to see how much we have already become stronger as a unit.”

“It was a cool weekend and a great opportunity to get together with other athletes looking to head off to Sochi,” said Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion Kaillie Humphries. “We all have to hit the ground running so the more quality information and preparation we can get early on, the better we’ll be when we get there.”

“This has been such an amazing chance to learn about what the Games will be like from people who know the drill,” said FIS World Champion and two-time World Cup Champion Mikaël Kingsbury. “I’m really happy to have had the chance to come here and be together with so many of the team before we get to Sochi.’

Following this weekend’s successful OES, athletes will remain in Vancouver for the COC media summit held May 13-14, which will be attended by more than 20 media outlets from across the country, including Sochi 2014 broadcast rights holder CBC. During the summit, media will have opportunities to interact with athletes, as well as obtain Canadian Olympic Team content in advance of the Games next February. It is an efficient exercise aimed at having athletes complete numerous media responsibilities ahead of their remaining prep and training for Sochi 2014. The summit also provides a crucial opportunity for athletes to experience a taste of the intense media spotlight that they will be exposed to during the Games window.

The XXII Olympiad will take place February 7-23, 2014 in Sochi, Russia.

- 30 -

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

Dimitri Soudas, Executive Director, Communications
Tel: 416-324-4136 / Cell: 289-388-6419
Email: dsoudas@olympic.ca

WHO:          Olympians and 2014 Sochi Olympic Hopefuls

WHEN:         Monday, May 13, 2013

9:00-9:30AM           Speed Skating
9:30-10:00AM           Curling
10:00-10:30AM         Ice Hockey
10:50-11:10AM         Bobsleigh
11:30-12:00pm         Skeleton
12:50-1:10PM           Freestyle Ski
1:30-2:00PM             Nordic Combined/Ski Jumping
2:00-2:30PM             Figure Skating *Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir will not be in attendance
2:30-3:00PM             Snowboard
3:00-3:30PM             Luge
3:30-4:00PM             Ski Cross
4:00-4:30PM             Alpine Skiing
4:30-5:00PM             Para-athletes

List of athletes in attendance:

WHERE:     Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Junior Ballroom D
1088 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC

The Canadian Olympic Committee’s Media Summit is held in conjunction with the COC’s Olympic Excellence Series (OES) from May 10-12, 2013.  OES prepares athletes, coaches and support staff for podium success by providing practical skills and strategies for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games. The Media Summit gives Canadian media the opportunity to collect Olympic Content from Canada’s 2014 Olympic Hopefuls.

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

Dimitri Soudas, Executive Director, Communications
Tel: 416-324-4136/ Cell. : 289-388-6419
Email: dsoudas@olympic.ca