The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, and
the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation, joined forces today to declare
November 2 � 6 Paralympic School Week in Newfoundland
and Labrador, and are encouraging schools throughout the
province to get involved in celebrating the Paralympic
movement.
"It�s important to remember that the Paralympic Games
are a big part of the Olympic Games," said Minister
King. "We want students and teachers alike to learn
about the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and celebrate the
accomplishments of people with disabilities. This week
is the perfect time to learn about the values of
Paralympics, and the courage and determination of
Paralympic athletes."
"Newfoundland and Labrador parathletes have been
successful on the national and world stage for many
years," said Minister Jackman. "The recent participation
of swimmer Katarina Roxon at the 2008 Beijing Summer
Paralympic Games, and the triple silver-medal
performance of swimmer Erica Noonan at this year�s
Canada Summer Games in P.E.I., have raised our
collective awareness of the achievements of these
outstanding athletes. It is wonderful to have this
opportunity to draw attention to the Paralympic movement
as we prepare to host the Olympic Torch Relay in
Newfoundland and Labrador, which arrives in Wabush on
November 11 for its five-day journey across the
province."
Joining Minister King and Minister Jackman signing
the Paralymic School Week proclamation was Joanne
MacDonald, former Paralympian, recipient of the Order of
Canada and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and
advocate for persons with disabilities.
"Becoming involved in sports was one of the smartest
decisions I have made thus far in my life," said Ms.
MacDonald. "It provided opportunities for representing
my country at such competitions as the Paralympics,
where you compete with the best and challenge yourself
daily."
Minster King also took the opportunity to encourage
schools to plan for the Olympic-sized Living Healthy
Commotion on February 26 which is Newfoundland and
Labrador Day at the Olympics. Schools should develop a
plan and submit it to their school district. One school
from each district will be chosen to be featured on
jumbo screens during the medal ceremony warm-up show in
Vancouver.
"These commotions will bring fun, learning and
physical activities that celebrate the spirit and ideals
of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games
