Executive Council
September 15, 2017

Premier Ball Acknowledges Terry Fox Day

In 2016, the Provincial Government proclaimed the second Sunday in September as Terry Fox Day in Newfoundland and Labrador, to coincide with the annual run held in honour of Terry Fox. The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is reminding residents that this year’s Terry Fox Day is Sunday, September 17.

On a typical foggy spring day in St. John’s in April 1980, the Marathon of Hope began when Terry Fox, then a relatively unknown athlete and advocate for cancer research, set out to run across the country to raise money to help find a cure. He started that marathon by dipping his leg in the cold North Atlantic Ocean. What would be an incredible feat for anyone was even more of a challenge for an athlete with a prosthetic leg.

The few people who came to see him off that day couldn’t have known then that Terry Fox would go on to raise millions of dollars, inspire generations of Canadians, and become one of the country’s greatest heroes.

During meetings this week in St. John’s, members of the newly created Premier’s Youth Council took time to visit the Terry Fox memorial in downtown St. John’s, and to reflect on the incredible impact Terry’s life has had on all Canadians. Later, the council had a presentation and discussion about the life and legacy of Terry Fox.

Premier Ball is encouraging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in local events related to Terry Fox Day and take the time to reflect on the achievements of this remarkable and brave young man.

Learn More
Terry Fox Foundation - terryfox.org

Provincial Government Proclaims Terry Fox Day - www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2016/exec/0916n03.aspx

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL

Quote
“On a day when people gather to honour a true hero, and to continue his legacy, we remember Terry Fox’s passion, his remarkable dedication, and his worldwide impact. We remember the special place Newfoundland and Labrador holds in the story of Terry Fox. Cancer will be beaten, and Terry Fox Run participants are keeping his dream alive by working towards that goal. I encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in any of the 37 Terry Fox Runs planned throughout the province on Sunday, September 17.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

- 30 -

Media contact
Michelle Canizzarro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca

2017 09 15                              10:05 a.m.