TORONTO, July 24, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Special Olympics Team Canada has landed in Los Angeles and is ready to compete at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Equipped with a team of 165 members strong, athletes, coaches and mission staff are gearing up for the experience of a lifetime. Team Canada has been hard at work over the past year, attending training camps and honing their skills and technique in preparation for the Games.
Before landing in Los Angeles, Team Canada was sent off in style, with all 165 members of the team gathering in Vancouver for a celebration. Special Olympics partners, Team Canada sponsors and special guests were invited to take part in the celebration and salute Team Canada as they embarked on this incredible experience.
"Special Olympics Canada is incredibly proud of the commitment and dedication Team Canada has put into training not only in the past year, but throughout their sport-careers," said Sharon Bollenbach, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Canada. "It has been amazing to watch these individuals come together as a team. I can't wait to cheer them on as they showcase their skills and talents on the world stage!"
Looking rested, ready to compete, and noticeably stylish thanks to proud Team Canada sponsor Tim Hortons, Team Canada is ready to take the world by storm, rack up medals, personal bests and achieve their goals.
"Team Canada has not yet ran its first race yet I am already filled with pride. The hard work and commitment to excellence displayed by our athletes and coaches in the lead up to World Games has exceeded all expectations," said Team Canada Chef de Mission Johnny Byrne. "Our team embodies what it is to be a true champion and in a few short days we will show the world that while proudly wearing the maple leaf."
Throughout the Games, long-time Special Olympics Canada partner TSN, and sister station RDS, will be broadcasting nightly recaps of the Games for family, fans and supporters at home. Check your local listings for air times. In addition, TSN and RDS will be broadcasting the Opening Ceremony live on July 25, 2015 at 9 PM EST.
Make sure to follow Team Canada on their World Games journey through Twitter and Facebook @SpecialOCanada. To send your well-wishes and get involved in the conversation please use the hashtag #SOTeamCanada15.
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 38,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 17,000 volunteers, including more than 13,000 trained coaches.
For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=34696
