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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release November 2, 2009 |
Ministry of Education
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B.C. STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF THE PARALYMPICS
VICTORIA – Students at École Willows Elementary School today helped celebrate the spirit and significance of the Paralympic Winter Games during the launch of the Pan-Canadian Paralympic School Week with Healthy Living and Sport Minister Ida Chong, VANOC VP Dave Guscott, gold medal paralympian Todd Nicholson and Paralympic mascot Sumi.
“Education and awareness about the Paralympic movement will help children to recognize the commitment and achievements of athletes with a disability,” said Chong. “B.C. is a leader among provinces, encouraging other educational jurisdictions to take part in the Pan-Canadian Paralympic week celebrations that highlight equity, fairness and success.”
The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are only 102 days away and the Pan-Canadian Paralympic School Week will bring home the spirit of the Games to students across the province. The Pan-Canadian Paralympic School Week promotes opportunities for students to support paralympian athletes, learn about the Paralympic Movement, and help overcome perceptions and stereotypes, all year long.
The week also provides an opportunity for all British Columbians and Canadians to commemorate wide-ranging examples of the achievements and accomplishments of people with disabilities engaged in sport, culture and community. B.C. is joined by Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Yukon, Nunavut and Newfoundland and Labrador in celebrating Pan–Canadian Paralympic School Week.
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and VANOC developed an activity guide to help teachers and students celebrate Pan-Canadian Paralympic School Week. The guide is designed to fit into existing curriculum, capitalizes on students’ natural curiosity about athletics, sports and volunteerism and highlights athletes and the value of active participation in sport and fitness activities for everyone.
“The Vancouver 2010 Education Program has been developed for schools to engage and motivate students and teachers through activities that celebrate amazing human achievements in sports,” said Guscott. “The many Paralympic athletes from around the world who will compete at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games are inspirational role models for everyone.”
The Paralympic School Week program is endorsed by the International Paralympic Committee and the Canadian Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
“Overcoming obstacles as a Paralympic athlete takes the same determination and dedication that athletes and non-athletes face as a part of life,” said Nicholson. “Students can relate to the stories of Paralympic athletes, where we can encourage and enthuse the next generation.”
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from Feb. 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. Visit www.vancouver2010.com for more information.
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Contact:
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Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963 |
VANOC Communications 778 328-3227
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