HALIFAX, Nova Scotia -- As part of its Community Outreach Program, presented by Petro-Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) teamed with 10 Olympic athletes, including Olympic medallists Brad Gushue, Marianne Limpert, Stephen Giles and Tania Vicent, to deliver a message of inspiration to more than 4,500 students at 20 Halifax, Nova Scotia-area schools.
"The main message I always try to communicate to students is to never give up on your dreams," said Gushue, a gold medallist in curling at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin. "Whether it is pursuing [image-nocss] goals in school, sports or extra curricular activities, students should never be afraid to reach for the top."
Each year as part of its Congress and Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame weekend, the COC organizes a unique community activity designed to engage Canada's youth and further build on the organization's existing outreach and educational partnerships. In 2007, the Community Outreach Program, presented by Petro-Canada, provided an opportunity for local area students to receive an inspirational first-hand account of how some of Canada's most successful Olympic athletes were able to overcome personal challenges en route to achieving podium success.
"Olympians are role models who instill a strong sense of national pride and inspire students to be the very best they can be," said Marc Gelinas, COC director of athlete and community relations. "Together with Petro-Canada, the Community Outreach Program provides an opportunity for Canada's Olympians to inspire and motivate this country's next generation of Olympic athletes and leaders."
Petro-Canada also announced the details of its new Fuelling The Dream School Contest. It is designed to capture the attention and imagination of students by inviting them to submit written entries about their passion for sport. The Fuelling The Dream School Contest is open to Grade 4, 5 and 6 students at Portland Estates Elementary School in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
"Petro-Canada is committed to enhancing communities like Halifax by fuelling the dreams of Canadian youth," said Steven Keith, director of Olympic and community partnerships. "We are pleased to provide a fun and encouraging event to help students make their dreams a reality."
The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means.
Petro-Canada is one of Canada's largest oil and gas companies, operating in both the upstream and the downstream sectors of the industry in Canada and internationally. Petro-Canada is a National Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
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