TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Special Olympics Canada invites media to join honored partner Home Hardware, celebrity guests, Special Olympics athletes and Special Olympics supporters in celebrating the limitless power of Special Olympics and the limitless potential of Special Olympics athletes. LIMITLESS: The Special Olympics Canada Gala will bring together more than 750 champions of the Special Olympics Movement, giving them an opportunity to mingle with sport celebrities as well as Special Olympics athletes. Hosted by TSN's on-air personalities Jennifer Hedger and Rod Black, LIMITLESS will feature terrific live performances, incredible live- and silent-auctions, and an amazing after-party with dancing, interactive activities and a performance by the 12-piece jazz band the St. Royals. Guests will hear firsthand the impact Special Olympics programs have from speakers Jessica Adam - mother of 5-year-old Special Olympics participant Levi; Terry Davis - CEO of longtime dedicated partner Home Hardware; and special guest Tim Shriver, PhD, Chairman of Special Olympics International.
The Live Auction features incredible one-of-a-kind experiences, like center-court tickets to the Men's semi-final match at Wimbledon, the Ultimate Fly Fishing Experience for 8 at the luxurious St. Lewis River Lodge in Labrador, an ultimate LA Sports package for four, a week for 8 at Villa Casanova in the heart of Tuscany with a harvest experience, and an extreme Jays Spring Training Experience for 2.
Event: LIMITLESS: The Special Olympics Canada Gala. A night to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics programs across Canada.
When: Friday, November 20, 2015. 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: The Fairmont Royal York Hotel
100 Front St. West, Toronto
Who:
Bob McKenzie – TSN's Hockey Insider
Curt Harnett – 3-Time Olympic Medalist, Cycling
Damian Warner – Track and Field, Decathlete
Darren Dreger – TSN Hockey Insider
Darryl Sittler – Hockey Hall of Famer and Toronto Maple Leafs legend
David Pelletier –World Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Pairs Figure Skating
Diana Matheson – National Women's Soccer Team member
Elaine Lui – Co-host of CTV's The Socialand Senior Correspondent for Etalk
Evanka Osmak – Host of Sportsnet Central & Special Olympics Ontario Board Member
Honourable Carla Qualtrough - Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
Heather Moyse – 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Women's Bobsleigh
Jamie Salé – Olympic gold medalist in Pairs Figure Skating, Special Olympics Alberta Board Member
Jennifer Hedger – SportsCentre Anchor
Jennifer Kirby – LPGA Tour Player
Jesse Lumsden – Canadian Olympic Bobsledder
Karen Cockburn – Olympian, Trampoline
Kyle Shewfelt – Olympic Champion, Gymnastics
Mark Tewksbury – Olympic gold medalist in swimming and Special Olympics Canada Board Member
Mathieu Turgeon – Olympian, Trampoline
Melissa Bishop – Athletics, Track & Field, 800m
Rick Mercer – Host, The Rick Mercer Report
Rod Black – TSN Sportscaster
Shawnacy Barber – Athletics, Pole Vault
Timothy Shriver Ph.D. - Chairman, Board of Directors, Special Olympics International
Special Olympics athletes, coaches and volunteers
About Special Olympics Canada
Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in 12 provincial and territorial Chapters, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 40,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 19,000 volunteers, including more than 14,000 trained coaches.
For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).