Release: Canadian Athletes Get “Happy” With Pharrell
June 23, 2014
OLYMPIANS & PARALYMPIANS GET ‘HAPPY’ WITH PHARRELL
Canadian Olympic Committee launches video on Olympic Day starring Sochi athletes dancing to Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’
TORONTO – Today, in celebration of international Olympic Day, the Canadian Olympic Committee launched a music video starring Canadian athletes as they danced to Pharrell Williams’ smash hit, ‘Happy’.
The video was filmed over three days as athletes toured Ontario and Alberta as part of the recent 2014 Celebration of Excellence, proving their talents were not contained to just the ice and snow. Athletes were enthusiastic to participate, showing off to the camera and having fun with their teammates as they danced and grooved to the upbeat tune. Special guest appearances were even made by Parade of Champions host George Stroumboulopoulos and Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi.
“The song pretty much sums up the whole week! It was great being able to have some fun with each other as we celebrated our achievements in Sochi.” said Gilmore Junio, Sochi 2014 Olympian. “Thank you again to the Canadian Olympic Committee for putting on such an amazing Celebration of Excellence.”
“The video definitely was fun to be a part of and I’ve been excited to see how it all turns out,” said Paralympic snowboarder Michelle Salt. “It’s really nice that all the athletes could get together and have fun as well. The whole experience of the Celebration of Excellence was amazing and left me very motivated. It was a great way of saying thank you to everybody who supported us.”
To view the video, please click here: http://youtu.be/ASv3ZzzIWyY
As the video was launched, the Canadian Olympic Foundation also put an official Canadian Olympic Team jacket, signed by Sochi 2014 medallists up for bidding on eBay.
“By bidding on this unique piece of Olympic history, buyers will be supporting the Canadian Olympic Foundation,” said Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee. “Funds raised from this online auction will be used to identify and support emerging Canadian athletes. A portion of these funds will remain in Alberta to support athletic facilities and a coaching legacy program in Calgary.”
For more information or to bid on the official, signed Canadian Olympic Team jacket, please visit: http://bit.ly/Tm6vho
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.
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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
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