2011 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Kicks Off Celebrations in Moncton
As witnessed at a cocktail reception today at the Delta Beauséjour Hotel, the city of Moncton is eager and ready to welcome the Olympic family in April for the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Induction festivities and community events.
“Moncton is no stranger to hosting major sporting events,” said Canadian Olympic Committee CEO and Secretary General Jean R. Dupré, having welcomed the IAAF Junior Championships, Memorial Cup and a CFL game to name a few. “Sport is a passion for its citizens, strong emotions which were on display as the torch relay crossed its city borders over one year ago, and we know they will put on a show to remember.”
The budding maritime city was chosen, and announced earlier this month, to host the Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony, which will see figure skater Elvis Stojko, swimmer Curtis Myden, bobsledder David MacEachern, women’s hockey coach Melody Davidson and cycling builder Marc Lemay enter the Hall. More than 800 guests are expected to be in attendance at the Casino New Brunswick.
This event will be the culmination of activities to take place in Moncton and throughout the Atlantic provinces from April 11-16, 2011. Similar to the torch relay, the COC will reach out to several communities and rally them around their enthusiasm and support of the Olympic Movement. This will include a full list of celebratory activities for all ages. The cities and locations will be unveiled at a later date.
To get things off on the right foot, Dupré was joined by Moncton Mayor George Leblanc, Chair and Co-chair of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Committee Louis Léger and Ben Champoux, respectively, and several local Olympians including 2011 inductee bobsledder David MacEachern to kick off the celebration preparations.
The COC hopes this will truly be a grand opportunity for Moncton to showcase its beautiful city, facilities and charm to Canadian Olympians and Olympic delegates as the event combines the Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony and Board and Annual Meeting, and reunites the leading sport figures in Canada.
Tickets and details are available by contacting Rebecca Lerner (rlerner@olympic.ca). All proceeds from the 2011 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala Dinner & Induction Ceremony will benefit the Canadian Olympic Team.
Everyone is encouraged to join in and help show the country how Moncton and the Atlantic provinces celebrate the excellence of the Olympic Movement.
