TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Special Olympics Canada has released the names of 27 athletes with an intellectual disability who will be performing alongside Olympic figure skaters at the upcoming Rock the Rink tour this fall.
The cross-country tour starting in October 2019 in Abbotsford, B.C. focuses on being more than a figure skating show, combining the highest level of on-ice superstar talent with an ever-evolving touring production. Superstar Olympians Tessa Virtue, Scott Moir, Patrick Chan and Elvis Stojko will headline the tour, with Special Olympics Canada athletes sharing the rink with them to perform a solo at most Canadian stops along the way.
“Special Olympics Canada believes that Rock the Rink is a true champion of inclusion, and we couldn’t be more excited for this collaboration, which focuses on sport, friendship and leadership,” said Sharon Bollenbach, Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics Canada.
"Special Olympics is an organization that is incredibly close to our hearts, and we are thrilled to showcase its work and depth of talent as we tour the country,” said Tessa Virtue.
It’s going to be a truly memorable experience and we know our fans across the country will love it!” added Scott Moir.
For a complete list of Rock the Rink tour dates and to purchase tickets, please visit rocktherink.com.
Interview opportunities are available with representatives from Special Olympics Canada and participating local Special Olympics athletes.
Meet the Special Olympics Canada athletes performing at Rock the Rink:
| BRITISH COLUMBIA | |
| MARC THERIAULT From: Surrey, BC Performing: October 5th Location: Abbotsford, BC - Abbotsford Centre ALEXANDRA MAGEE From: Kelowna, BC Performing: October 6th Location: Penticton, BC - South Okanagen Events Centre | ALEXANDER PANG From: Vancouver, BC Performing: October 7th Location: Vancouver, BC - Thunderbird Arena DARLENE JAKUBOWSKI From: Fort St. John, BC Performing: October 11th & 12th Location: Dawson Creek, BC - Encana Events Centre & Prince George, BC - CN Centre |
| ALBERTA | |
| MEG OHSADA From: Calgary, AB Performing: October 10th Location: Red Deer, AB - Westerner Park Centrium JORDEN TYSON From: Calgary, AB Performing: October 13th Location: Grande Prairie, AB - Revolution Place KENNEDY ZAYTSOFF From: Calgary, AB Performing: October 16th Location: Calgary, AB - Stampede Corral | MORIAH VAN’T LAND From: Calgary, AB Performing: October 17th Location: Lethbridge, AB - ENMAX Centre EMMA BITTORF From: Calgary, AB Performing: October 19th Location: Medicine Hat, AB - Canalta Centre |
| SASKATCHEWAN | |
| VICTORIA SARTY From: Regina, SK Performing: October 18th & October 26th Location: Regina, SK - Brandt Centre & Saskatoon, SK - SaskTel Centre |
| ONTARIO | |
| JULIA ROMUALDI From: Timmins, ON Performing: October 29th Location: Sault Ste. Marie, ON - GFL Memorial Gardens HAILEY FULFORD From: London, ON Performing: October 30th Location: London, ON - Budweiser Gardens NADIA BOULLION From: Chelmsford, ON Performing: November 1st Location: Sudbury, ON - Sudbury Arena TIM GOODACRE From: Dundas, ON Performing: November 2nd Location: Kitchener, ON - Memorial Auditorium SARAH THOMAS From: Whitby, ON Performing: November 3rd Location: Kingston, ON – Leon's Centre | DAVID ROBERTSON & NICOLE VESPA From: Hamilton, ON Performing: November 6th Location: Mississauga, ON - Paramount Fine Foods Centre JACK FAN & KATIE XU From: Ottawa, ON Performing: November 7th Location: Ottawa, ON - TD Place DANIELLE WATERS From: Merriton, ON Performing: November 8th Location: St. Catharines, ON - Meridian Centre GRACE MORRIS From: Ajax, ON Performing: November 9th Location: Oshawa, ON - Tribute Communities Centre ALICIA SMITH From: Uxbridge, ON Performing: November 13th Location: Peterborough, ON - Peterborough Memorial Centre |
| QUEBEC | |
| ÉMILE BAZ From: Laval, QC Performing: November 14th Location: Laval, QC - Place Bell | STÉPHANIE LACHANCE From: Quebec City, QC Performing: November 15th Location: TBC |
| NEW BRUNSWICK | NOVA SCOTIA |
| MOLLY KANE From: Moncton, NB USA Performing: November 16th Location: Moncton, NB - Avenir Centre NEWFOUNDLAND MELANIE TAYLOR From: St. Johns, NL Performing: November 23rd Location: St. Johns, NL - Mile One Centre | JESSICA CRANTON From: Halifax , NS Performing: November 17th Location: Halifax, NS - Scotiabank Centre |
About Special Olympics Canada
The Canadian program of this global 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 47,500 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 22,000 volunteers, including more than 16,000 trained coaches. For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @SpecialOCanada.
About Rock the Rink
Rock the Rink comes from the producers of the highly successful Thank You Canada tour. An entertainment experience highlights the world’s best figure skaters in an environment that appeals to all your senses. It’s an evening that takes you on a journey – at times, a nostalgic one. It will also have you singing and dancing the night away with your favourite figure skating superstars. Rock The Rink is an attitude. It is evocative. It makes you sing, dance, laugh, cry, move and be moved. It will absolutely make you feel something.
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact:
Brigitte Kenny
Hype PR
brigitte@hypepr.ca
647.967.3272