CF and Canadian Paralympic Committee launch 'Soldier On' program

    OTTAWA, May 26 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of
National Defence, and Carla Qualtrough, President of the Canadian Paralympic
Committee, today announced the launch of the Soldier On program.
    The Soldier On program is a joint initiative between the Canadian
Paralympic Committee and the Department of National Defence (DND) to develop
together a program that will enhance, through sport, the quality of life of
current and former Canadian Forces (CF) members who became disabled while
serving in the CF. The needs of the CF members will be determined using a
consultative approach during the Summit and afterwards.
    "This is a fantastic opportunity for these individuals to continue active
and healthy lifestyles," said Minister O'Connor. "We feel that Soldier On will
make an important difference in their lives and those of their families."
    The announcement was made during the Paralympic Sport Summit at Carleton
University. The Summit brings together CF members with a physical disability
and Paralympic athletes to share their experiences. CF personnel will meet
national Paralympic team coaches and rehabilitation experts and be introduced
to seven Paralympic sports during hands-on sessions.
    "The dedication of our Paralympians, equaled by the dedication of our
wounded soldiers, is a wonderful thing to behold - working together, to help
those in uniform, is simply overwhelming in its inspiration for all of us,"
said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff.
    The program will be integrated into the larger morale and welfare
programs within the Personnel Support Programs Division of the Canadian Forces
Personnel Support Agency.
    "This will be an exciting chance for the soldiers to not only gain
exposure to these sports, but also to experience first hand the benefits and
possibilities of sport for persons with a disability," said Mrs. Qualtrough.
"Sport at all levels, from recreational to high performance, can help people
with a physical disability on many levels - from enhancing rehabilitation to
increasing their quality of life."


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For further information: (DND), [phone]/54; After hours: (613)
792-2973; (CPC): [phone], ext. 227; After hours: [phone]