Release: Alberta welcomes Sochi Olympians and Paralympians
June 5, 2014
OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS ARRIVE IN ALBERTA FOR CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
Calgary, Edmonton, Banff and Red Deer welcome athletes
CALGARY – Today was the second day of the 2014 Celebration of Excellence, a three day series of events where the Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Teams make public appearances in Ottawa and various cities throughout Alberta, including 135 schools today in Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, Red Deer and surrounding areas.
In Edmonton, the day started with a breakfast hosted by the City of Edmonton. Athletes then joined thousands of kids and community members at the Edmonton Olympic Fair that hosted several sport demonstrations. Joining the festivities was the Mayor of Edmonton, Don Iveson. Athletes also visited various schools and the Stollery Children’s Hospital where they talked to kids about the importance of working hard and always pursuing their dreams.
“I had a total blast today getting to connect with so many kids and fans at the Olympic Fair today,” said Patrick Chan, two-time Olympian, two-time Olympic silver medallist. “The Celebration of Excellence is a great platform for us Olympians to meet our fellow Canadians and give back to young students, some of our most loyal fans and supporters.”
In Calgary, the day started with a breakfast hosted by General Mills, where kids got to spend time with athletes and learn the importance of starting the day with a good breakfast. Athletes then made their way to the Sport Chek sports clinic where they participated in various sport activities to help promote active and healthy living. Later in the day, athletes spent time with kids and families at Alberta Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta.
“It was so nice coming home as an Edmonton-grown athlete to such a warm reception,” said para-alpine skier Kimberly Joines, who won a bronze medal in Sochi. “It was great to get out to a couple of St. Albert schools today, where the kids has such well thought-out questions and comments.”
The 2014 Celebration of Excellence will continue on with the Parade of Champions and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala, Induction Ceremony which will take place tomorrow, June 6, in the City of Calgary.
For photos taken throughout the day at various events, please visit: photos.paralympic.ca and http://bit.ly/1nPnpmz
For broadcast-quality B-roll, please visit: SendtoNews.com
For more information on the 2014 Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, please visit: http://wp.me/P3DwEw-Xn
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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
Canadian Paralympic Committee Media Office:
Alison Korn, Senior Manager, Media Relations
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 # 2224 / Cell: 613-725-4339
Email: mrichard@paralympic.ca