NLIS 3
June 1, 2005
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
The following is being distributed at the request
of Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador:
Newfoundlanders to be recognized
in front of the House of Commons
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador (SONL),
the provincial sport organization for individuals with an intellectual
disability, is proud to announce that two Team Canada members from Newfoundland
and Labrador, Sarah Brown and John Byrne, will be recognized in front of the
House of Commons on Monday, June 6.
Team Canada competed at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan
this past February. Selected members of the squad will be recognized for their
achievements in front of the House of Commons followed by a reception in the
lobby of the senate, where team members will have the opportunity to rub elbows
with Members of Parliament. Team Canada will be represented by approximately 30
members from each province and one territory. Sarah Brown has been honoured with
the opportunity to represent the athletes by speaking at the reception in the
Senate Lobby.
Sarah Mary Brown of Gander competed in snowshoeing at the 2005 World Games in
Nagano. This was the first Special Olympics World Games hosted in Asia, and drew
close to 2,500 athletes, 650 coaches, and thousands of families, volunteers,
spectators and journalists from every continent. Team Canada was represented by
100 athletes, coaches, and mission staff. The games were a huge success for the
Canadian delegation.
At this international event, Sarah Mary Brown earned a gold medal and two 4th
place finishes, posting personal bests in all of her races. John Byrne of St.
John�s acted as team manager for Canada, and also sat on the international
appeals committee for the World Games (a first for a Canadian). Andrew Ash of
Paradise also competed in snowshoeing where he too posted many personal bests.
Both Sarah and Andrew are currently training for the upcoming Special Olympics
Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games taking place June 17-19 in St. John�s.
For more information contact:
John Byrne
Executive Director
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 738-1923, 690-8334
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is a year-round program of sports
training and athletic competition for persons with intellectual disabilities.
2005 06 01
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