CORNER BROOK, NL, Jan. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Organizing Committee (GOC) was proud to unveil today the logo for the 2016 Games as well as announce funding from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in the amount of $500,000. The funding announcement was made by the Honorable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation who, along with the provincial government, sees the funding of this sport event as an investment in families and communities and increases opportunities for participation in sport, particularly by those in under-represented groups.
The unveiling and announcement was held at the Arts and Science Atrium, Grenfell Campus in front of several esteemed guests, including Special Olympics Canada CEO Sharon Bollenbach, Special Olympics Canada Director, Sport and Competition, Marian Coulson, and Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labarador Executive Director Trish Williams, and was an opportunity to kick-start the call-to-action for volunteers and sponsors for this great biennial event. The Games logo reflects the terrain of Western Newfoundland and the spirit of Special Olympics athletes from across Canada who will converge in Corner Brook in March 2016. The logo was created by local graphic artist Ed Hollett.
Backgrounder:
The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games is a national sporting event for athletes with an intellectual disability. Each athlete must qualify at the local and provincial/territorial level before competing at the national games. The 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games is the qualifying event for athletes to represent Canada at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.
Alternating every two years, provincial and territorial Special Olympics chapters rotate the hosting responsibilities for the organization's national summer and winter games; 2016 was Newfoundland and Labrador's opportunity to host and Corner Brook jumped at the opportunity. This is the first time the Special Olympics Canada national games will be held in Newfoundland and Labrador.
2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games by the Numbers
The national sports competition will take place over seven days
Teams from 12 provincial / territorial chapters will participate
Organizers anticipate 950+ delegation members will be in attendance. Of that number, it is estimated there will be:
Athletes compete in seven winter sports - alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating
More than 600 local volunteers will be required for the games. Corner Brook can anticipate 400 to 500 family members and Special Olympics supporters to attend
About Special Olympics Canada
Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport. Operating year-round in all Canadian provinces and territories except Nunavut, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes, and build communities. From two-year olds to mature adults, there are more than 36,000 children and adults with an intellectual disability registered in Special Olympics programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 17,000 volunteers, including close to13,000 trained coaches. For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).
Image with caption: "The 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Logo (CNW Group/Special Olympics Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140124_C5095_PHOTO_EN_35836.jpg
Image with caption: "The 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Logo (CNW Group/Special Olympics Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140124_C5095_PHOTO_EN_35838.jpg
SOURCE: Special Olympics Canada
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