2012 Hall of Fame Gala coming to Toronto
TORONTO – The Canadian Olympic Committee unveiled plans today for an entire week of events, culminating in the 2012 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony Friday, September 21, 2012 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
Former Ontario Premier David Peterson and RBC Regional President for the Greater Toronto Area Jennifer Tory will act as Co-Chairs of the event.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will act as honorary Chair, presiding over an exceptional week of public events, celebrating the heroes of the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team as well as heroes being inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame. The festivities will begin as Prime Minister Harper hosts 2012 Olympians in the House of Commons on Wednesday September 19.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime celebration and it’s going to be one of those events we tell our grandkids about,” said Co-Chair and former Ontario Premier David Peterson. “That amazing night in Toronto, in September 2012, when we all crammed into the Air Canada Centre and revelled in the outstanding pride of being Canadian.”
“The 2012 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame gala isn’t just about having a fabulous party in celebration of our athletes,” said Jennifer Tory, Co-Chair of the event and RBC Regional President for the Greater Toronto Area. “It’s also a way for Canadians to step up and make a direct, proud and impactful contribution to those who proudly wear the symbol of the Canadian Olympic Team.”
“With a crowd of 1,000 strong, we will bring down the house in a celebration befitting the incredible calibre of athletic prowess and leadership that Canadians can call their own,” said Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut. “Capping off a week to remember, this gala evening will be the stuff of legends.”
“The Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame week is the ultimate celebration of Canadian Olympic achievement, and the journey athletes and fans have taken to get there – together,” said three-time Olympic trampoline medallist Karen Cockburn. “It’s also a way for the Canadians who’ve captured the Olympic spirit to help support the athletes.”
Members of the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team will be reaching out to the public in this, their official ‘Welcome Home’ from London. 2012 Olympic heroes will visit Toronto area schools and hospitals in the days leading up to the Gala Induction Ceremony. The men and women who will represent Canada on the world’s biggest athletic stage will travel all over the Greater Toronto Area, sharing their experiences in London with Torontonians.
September 21 will be a day to remember in Toronto, as our 2012 Olympic heroes will participate in a parade in downtown Toronto before the Gala event at the Air Canada Centre.
The biggest event in the Canadian Olympic Committee calendar, short of the Olympic Games, the Gala Induction Ceremony will feature first-class entertainment and a gourmet meal.
Contact Danielle Hrehirchek at dhrehirchek@olympic.ca or (416) 324-4303 to book tables for this once in a lifetime event.
