TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Special Olympics Canada held its annual LIMITLESS: The Special Olympics Canada Gala last night at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The event brings together more than 750 supporters of the Special Olympics movement for a night of celebration and awareness. Alongside this year's Honored Partner Tim Hortons, LIMITLESS provided an opportunity for Special Olympics athletes, Canadian celebrities and Special Olympics supporters to embrace the limitless potential of Special Olympics and all the benefits its programs provide for athletes, families and communities across Canada.
The evening was a memorable one, with one-of-a-kind live and silent auction items and experiences, live performances and moving remarks from Honorary Chair, David Clanachan, Chairman, Canada, Restaurant Brands International and Duane Brothers, parent of Special Olympics athlete Josiah. As always, the gala was capped off with an incredible after-party which featured live music by Electric Blonde.
"Special Olympics Canada is fortunate to have such generous friends and supporters of the movement," said Special Olympics Canada CEO, Sharon Bollenbach. "The 2016 LIMITLESS Gala was another incredible night celebrating the important role Special Olympics programs play in the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability across the country. We are grateful for the support of all of tonight's sponsors, including new national partner and LIMITLESS Honored Partner, Tim Hortons. We are thrilled to have all of our partners spread the message of inclusion and acceptance through their support of Special Olympics. We extend our appreciation for making the evening such a success!"
In attendance at this year's LIMITLESS Gala were celebrity champions of the movement Adam van Koeverden, Bob McKenzie, Brendan Shanahan, Catriona Le May Doan, Curt Harnett, Damian Warner, Evanka Osmak, Lainey Lui, Jamie Salé, Mark Tewksbury, Melissa Bishop, Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Rosie MacLennan, Tessa Bonhomme and more. Hosted by TSN's on-air personalities and Special Olympics Champions Network members Jennifer Hedger and Rod Black, the 2016 LIMITLESS Gala was an evening of celebration and joy.
This annual must-attend event raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics programs across the country. For more information on LIMITLESS, please go to www.specialolympics.ca/gala.
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 all Canadian provinces and territories, except Nunavut, 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 42,500 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 20,500 volunteers, including more than 15,700 trained coaches.
For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).