Celebrating strong bonds on the eve of the Winter Paralympics

OTTAWA, March 12, 2010 – As the eyes of the sporting world focus their attention on Vancouver and Whistler, BC, and tonight’s opening of the Paralympic Winter Games, Commonwealth Games Canada is sending a message of congratulations and good luck to its valued partners.

“Heartfelt congratulations to the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and VANOC for the extraordinary work they’ve done to make this dream a reality,” said Thomas Jones, CEO of Commonwealth Games Canada. “We feel a really strong connection to these Games and want to wish good luck to everyone involved, particularly the athletes.”

Mr. Jones noted that it was another British Columbia city - Victoria - that hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1994 and paved the way for full inclusion of disabled athletes into top-level international competitions. "Organizers made it possible for more than 100 athletes with a disability to participate as full members of their national teams, along with their able-bodied teammates, at a major, international multi-sport event," added Mr. Jones. "Sixteen years later, Canada is hosting a Paralympic Winter Games for the first time and celebrating both the extraordinary capabilities of these athletes and the tremendous progress that's been made in recognizing the power of Paralympic sport."”

The partnership between CPC and Commonwealth Games Canada has grown substantially in recent years. “There are many examples where we’ve been able to formalize the links between the two organizations and build off each other’s strengths,” said Mr. Jones. “The most compelling illustration I can think of was watching Paralympian, Chantal Petitclerc, carry the flag for Team Canada into the Opening Ceremonies at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.”

Moreover, he pointed out that the current President of CPC, Carla Qualtrough, has been actively engaged with CGC for years. “She contributed in so many ways as a member of the Canadian Team Mission Staff for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 and in Melbourne in 2006.”

The next Commonwealth Games – in Delhi, India from October 3 – 14, 2010 – will further solidify the relationship between the two organizations. “For elite athletes with a disability, there will be a total of 15 events in four disciplines – athletics, swimming, weightlifting, and table tennis,” added Mr. Jones. “We believe that the success of our Canadian Paralympians in Vancouver and Whistler will serve as an additional boost for their summer sport counterparts who are working so hard to prepare for Delhi in October.”

Thomas Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Commonwealth Games Association of Canada
(613) 244-6868 ext. 226
tjones@commonwealthgames.ca