Executive Council
April 10, 2015

Recognizing Inspirational Citizens

Provincial Government to Proclaim Terry Fox Day in 2015

Thirty-five years ago Sunday, Terry Fox began a journey that would capture hearts and minds and reflect the spirit of an entire country. To commemorate the 35th anniversary of Terry�s Fox�s Marathon of Hope, which began in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government announced today that it intends to proclaim the second Sunday after Labour Day as Terry Fox Day to coincide with the annual run in his honour.

�Our sincere thanks to Donna Ball, a resident of Paradise, for taking the lead and sending the Provincial Government a letter of request to recognize Terry Fox Day. We are honoured to move forward on this proclamation, as Terry Fox is one of Canada�s most inspirational citizens. It is especially fitting that the 35th anniversary of Terry Fox�s Marathon of Hope is being celebrated on the very same day that National Volunteer Week gets underway. Over the years, countless volunteers have helped plan annual local events, raise funds for cancer research, and ensure that Terry Fox�s contribution to Canadian society and the movement he started lives on.�
- Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

On April 12, members of the Fox family will join cancer survivors, run participants and residents of the town of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove as Parks Canada conducts a ceremonial reenactment of Terry�s collection of Atlantic Ocean water from Outer Cove Beach. A relay procession will transport ocean water from Outer Cove Beach to St. Francis of Assisi School. Residents are invited to cheer along the relay route at 2:00 p.m. and attend a reception in the school auditorium at 3:00 p.m. In a symbolic gesture, water will be on hand from all corners of the country.

�Terry Fox sampled first-hand, the hospitality and generous spirit that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are famous for. In 1980, unintentionally, I believe Terry Fox became one of this province�s greatest ambassadors. He pounded our pavement, and asked for our help to end cancer. Today Terry Fox is part of our culture, part of our landscape and part of how we define �hero� to our children. We are excited to welcome all members of Terry�s immediate family back to the birthplace of the Marathon of Hope, Newfoundland and Labrador, to commemorate the 35th anniversary and its incredibly unique connection to our province.�
- Heather Strong, Provincial Director, the Terry Fox Foundation

When Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope in this province in 1980, his goal was to raise one dollar from every Canadian to fight cancer. Today, more than $650 million has been raised in Terry�s name in Canada and around the world. To learn more, visit www.terryfox.org.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government announced today that it intends to proclaim the second Sunday after Labour Day as Terry Fox Day.
• The proclamation will be scheduled for a date prior to September 20, 2015.
• On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope in St. John�s. This Sunday, April 12, a ceremonial reenactment of Terry Fox�s collection of Atlantic Ocean water from Outer Cove Beach will take place. The event is open to the public.
• More than $650 million has been raised in Terry�s name in Canada and around the world for cancer research.
• Cancer prevention and treatment are key priorities of the Provincial Government, as demonstrated by investments of over $172 million since 2004.

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2015 04 10                             4:15 p.m.