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Release: Calgary Welcomes 2014 Olympic Hall of Fame Inductees

June 5, 2014

2014 CANADIAN OLYMPIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ARRIVE IN CALGARY
Kyle Shewfelt and Pat Quinn among those to be honoured at 2014 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Ceremony presented by RBC

CALGARY – Today, the Canadian Olympic Committee welcomed the 2014 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala inductees to Calgary at a media event held at Banker’s Hall prior to tomorrow’s gala evening at the Calgary Saddledome.

The 2014 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame inductees include: Kyle Shewfelt, three-time Olympian and Olympic gold medallist; Cindy Klassen three-time Olympian and six-time Olympic medallist; the Beijing 2008 Men’s 8 Rowing Team; Marcel Lacroix, speed skating coach; Ralph Klein, former Premier of Alberta; Pat Quinn, ice hockey coach; and Richard Garneau, sport journalist who covered 23 Olympic Games.

Co-chairs of the gala include Steve Williams, President and CEO of Suncor; Doug Mitchell, National Co-Chairman of BLG and Canadian Olympic Foundation Board Member; and Ken King, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Flames.

The inductees answered questions about past athletic achievements and noted the pride associated with being honoured in front of Canada’s Olympic Family.

“To be inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame is one of the highest sporting accolades in Canada,” said Klassen, who is one of two females tied for the title of most-decorated Canadian Olympian. “It’s an honour to be named alongside such incredible people who have contributed so tremendously to the Olympic Movement and to sport in our country.”

“It’s an absolute honour to be named alongside these amazing inductees,” added Lacroix. “There are so many fantastic Canadians out there who work tirelessly to further the Olympic Movement in Canada so this recognition is the ultimate acknowledgment.”

The Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Ceremony forms part of the 2014 Celebration of Excellence presented by RBC, a three-day celebration (June 4th – 6th) to celebrate Canada’s tremendous successes within the Olympic Movement.

“This was a special group of athletes and we were incredibly fortunate to have worked under the guidance of our coach and mentor, Mike Spracklen.  It’s humbling to know that the result of that work has become such a memorable Canadian sports moment,” said Kyle Hamilton, three-time World Champion, Beijing 2008 gold medallist and Canadian men’s eight rowing team captain.  “Being here is bringing back so many memories and it’s great to be back together with the guys.”

The Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Teams made public appearances yesterday at Ottawa-area schools and hospitals as well as the House of Commons. The Heroes Tour, consisting of school and hospital visits, made its way through Calgary, Banff, Red Deer, and Edmonton today; and the post-Sochi Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala, Induction Ceremony and Parade will take place in City of Calgary tomorrow night.

Proceeds from the Hall of Fame Gala will go to the Canadian Olympic Foundation as well as a legacy coaching program in Calgary to support the next generation of Olympians. The 2012 Hall of Fame Gala in Toronto raised more than $3 million for high performance sport and athletes in Canada.

For more information on the 2014 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, please visit: http://wp.me/P3DwEw-Xn.

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About the Canadian Olympic Foundation:

Established in 2007, the Canadian Olympic Foundation gives to priority partners that drive high performance athletic achievement for Canada’s Olympic podium potentials and for our next generation of Olympic athletes. The Foundation also funds athlete, coaching, and sport awards and scholarships. Learn more at olympicfoundation.ca.

Canadian Olympic Committee Media Office:

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

Luc Beaudin, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations
Cell: 514-206-6720
Email: lbeaudin@olympic.ca

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