CGC Congratulates Chantal Petitclerc on her Induction in to Canada's Walk Of Fame
OTTAWA, September 11, 2009 – Commonwealth Games Canada congratulates record-breaking Paralympian and Commonwealth Games standout Chantal Petitclerc on her upcoming induction in to Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Wheelchair racing legend Petitclerc, 39, is the only Canadian athlete who has won medals at the Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.
At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England, Petitclerc became the first athlete with a disability to register a result for her country’s team when she won a gold medal in the 800 metres. It was the first wheelchair event to be fully integrated into the program of a major international competition.
Petitclerc repeated the achievement at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, winning 800m gold again, and was also chosen to carry the Canadian flag in to the opening ceremonies. Petitclerc was later honoured as the Games’ 2006 Outstanding Female Athlete with a Disability.
The 2008 Canadian athlete of the year, Petitclerc has 21 Paralympic medals, including 14 gold, and holds five world records.
“Chantal has represented Canada on the world stage with great success, and she is an inspiration to all Canadian athletes,” said Thomas Jones, CEO of Commonwealth Games Canada. “We are so proud of her many achievements, especially at the Commonwealth Games, and her upcoming induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame.”
To qualify for induction to Canada’s Walk of Fame, candidates must have been born in Canada or spent their formative or creative years here. They must also have been successful for a minimum of 10 years and have a body of work recognized for its impact on our cultural heritage.
The 2009 Canada’s Walk of Fame inductees include: Chantal Petitclerc, Blue Rodeo, Kim Cattrall, Tom Cochrane, Dsquared2, Howie Mandel, Robert Munsch and Raymond Burr.
The induction ceremony will broadcast on Global Television, Sunday, September 13 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
About Commonwealth Games Canada
Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the international franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. The mission of Commonwealth Games Canada is to strengthen sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth, by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool.
