PyeongChang Paralympians and Olympians to be celebrated in Ottawa next week

OTTAWA – Canada’s Paralympic athletes, whose efforts produced the nation’s best-ever Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang in March, will reunite next week as the Team Canada Celebration takes over Ottawa on May 8 and 9.  

Organized by the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Government of Canada, Team Canada Celebration will bring together the country’s PyeongChang Olympians and Paralympians in one place. Over the two days, the athletes and coaches will be celebrated for their hard work and dedication, as they united Canadians coast-to-coast-to-coast with their performances in PyeongChang this winter. 

The festivities will commence on May 8 with a Jumpstart Games community event at the University of Ottawa, giving several local schoolchildren the chance to try out a variety of sports. A number of Paralympians and Olympians will be on hand to assist the kids and help with the different sport stations.  

On May 9, Team Canada will be celebrated at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor-General where they will receive their Olympic and Paralympic rings presented by Teck. In addition, the Opening and Closing Ceremony flag bearers will be presented with the James Worrall Flag Bearer Awards presented by Petro-Canada. 

Everyone will then head to Parliament Hill, where they will be recognized by Members of Parliament at the House of Commons and welcomed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 
Approximately 200 athletes, coaches, and team leaders will be in attendance for the Team Canada Celebration.