/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - Photo Opportunity - Parasport Festival debuts at Canada Army Run/

Everyone invited to play disability sports and learn how to get involved

OTTAWA, Sept. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee, in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces' Soldier On program, presents the inaugural Parasport Festival at Canada Army Run!

• Meet Jason Dunkerley, a five-time Paralympic medallist in athletics, learn how he competes as a blind athlete, and try out visually-impaired running yourself;
  
  
• Talk with Captain Christian Maranda, an Afghanistan veteran and a Soldier On athlete in paracanoe, about his life experiences and love of sport;
  
  
• Try your hand at sitting volleyball and sledge hockey, and check out adapted sports equipment from para-triathlon, wheelchair tennis, para-alpine skiing, and more!

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is showcasing the military roots of the Paralympic movement. The Soldier On program was created by a joint venture between the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Canadian Armed Forces to provide sport opportunities for ill and injured military personnel.

WHEN:	Friday Sept. 20, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (sport participation 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) Saturday Sept. 21, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (sport participation 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
WHERE:	West side of Ottawa City Hall lawn (race kit pick up location)
WHO:	Jason Dunkerley, five-time Paralympic medallist in athletics Captain Christian Maranda, Afghanistan veteran and Soldier On athlete in paracanoe Coaches and athletes from local sport organizations
WHAT:	Play sledge hockey, sitting volleyball, and experience running with a visual impairment; discover adapted sports equipment and meet representatives from 12 sports for people with a disability.
	Parasport Festivals are designed to offer Canadians the chance to experience a variety of parasports for themselves and discover opportunities to get involved - whether as an athlete, coach, parent or volunteer. All activities are free and open to everyone!

For more information, please visit Paralympic.ca/getinvolved

Volunteers, Coaches, Athletes and Administrators from: Sledge Hockey of Eastern Ontario, Achilles Ottawa, Ottawa Rowing Club, Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing-National Capital Division, SkiAbility Ottawa, Cross-Country Ontario, Ottawa Sitting Volleyball, Shooting Federation of Canada, National Capital Wheelchair Tennis Association, Fitness Dynamics, Cycling Canada, Won with One, Ottawa Goalball.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 25 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian high performance athletes with a disability and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)

For further information:

Alison Korn
Manager, Media Relations and Communications
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Phone: [phone] ext. 243
Cell: 613-298-4927
[e-mail]

Martin Richard
Executive Director, Communications and Marketing
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: [phone] ext. 224
Cell: 613-725-4339
[e-mail]

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