Canadian hurdling Stars Priscilla Lopes-Schliep and Perdita Felicien to compete at the 2012 Toronto International Track & Field Games

TORONTO, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Athletics Ontario announced details today about the upcoming Toronto International Track & Field Games (TITFG), a spectacular evening of track & field taking place on July 11^th at the University of Toronto's Varsity Centre. Officials confirmed that 2008 Beijing Olympic Bronze medalist Priscilla Lopes-Schliep will be joined by fellow Greater Toronto Area athletes Nikita Holder, Phylicia George and former World Champion Perdita Felicien in the headline event of the TITFG, the last stop on the National Track League (NTL) circuit and final tune-up meet for the Canadian track & field team heading to the London Olympics.

"The McGuinty Government is proud to promote Ontario's talented athletes and highlight our commitment to youth, health promotion and high performance sport through the TITFG," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.  "This event is an excellent opportunity for Ontarians and visitors alike to see our world-class athletes in action - demonstrating that Ontario has what it takes to compete and win in the international arena."

Other Canadians set to compete in Toronto who have met Olympic standards include 1,500m Nate Brannen, sprinter Justyn Warner and Hammer Thrower Sultana Fritzell. Additional Canadian and international athletes will be announced over the coming weeks.

"With the London 2012 Olympics just around the corner and the Pan/Parapan Am Games coming to Toronto in 2015, this year's meet is especially exciting," said John Craig, TITFG Executive Meet Director and Athletics Ontario representative. "This is a unique opportunity for Torontonians to cheer on the champions of today, and the heroes of tomorrow, on our home turf."

Officials also announced details about their quest to find Ontario's Fastest Boy and Girl. Ontario students aged 11 and under will compete in communities across the province for the opportunity to race at the TITFG on the John L. Davenport Track at Varsity Centre. Regional qualifying events will be held in various cities over the coming weeks to find the fastest competitors, including Windsor, Hamilton, Guelph, Mississauga, Ottawa, Toronto and Huntsville.

"I'm proud to help launch the search for Ontario's Fastest Boy and Girl," said Lopes-Schliep. "This program will engage young people from across Ontario in the most inclusive and accessible of all sports, while also providing an opportunity to meet members of the London 2012 Olympic Team."

In addition to being timed in 100 metre heats and meeting champion athletes, trained coaches from local track clubs will lead Run Jump Throw clinics for boys and girls of all ages. The TITFG will also feature a series of high school events designed to showcase Ontario's next generation of stars as part of over two hours of evening competition in front of over 4,000 fans.

To purchase tickets to the TITFG or for details on the regional events being held over the coming weeks, visit www.totrack.ca.

Stephanie Sayer
416-500-1656
[email protected]