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                              10:00 a.m.


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