TORONTO, May 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jamie Salé, Olympic gold medalist and World Champion in pairs figure skating, has been named Honorary Coach of Special Olympics Team Canada, currently preparing to compete at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria. A long-time supporter of the Special Olympics Movement, Salé serves on Special Olympics Canada's board of directors and is a co-chair of its Champions Network.
"I have had many achievements in my athletic career, as well as in my professional life, but this is one of my greatest honours," said Salé. "After having watched so many Team Canada members compete at the Special Olympics Canada 2016 Winter Games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, I'm looking forward to doing whatever I can to help Team Canada 2015 go to Austria and perform their best on the world stage while doing all of Canada proud."
"Jamie has been a tireless champion of Special Olympics for many years, first as a member of Special Olympics Alberta's board of directors, and now Special Olympics Canada's. She has been a passionate advocate on behalf of the movement's athletes, coaches and volunteers. To have Jamie as our Honorary Coach is a perfect fit for Team Canada 2017," said Blair McIntosh, Vice President, Sport, Special Olympics Canada.
The games run from March 14 – 25, 2017 and will be held in Austria for a second time, hosting 3,000 athletes and 1,100 coaches from 110 countries. Special Olympics Canada is sending a contingent of 148 athletes, coaches and mission staff, led by Chef de Mission Marian Coulson, Director Sport and Competition, Special Olympics Canada – its largest delegation ever for a World Winter Games. Special Olympics Team Canada athletes will compete in alpine skiing, cross country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, speed skating and snowshoeing.
"Special Olympics Team Canada 2017 is proud to welcome Jamie to the team as Honorary Coach. I was able to witness firsthand at Special Olympics Canada's 2016 Winter Games in Corner Brook just how committed Jamie is to our athletes, coaches and volunteers, and look forward to see what she can bring to the team" said Coulson. "The team is excited to work with Jamie in ensuring the athletes are given every chance to perform to their best, while showing the world the strength, power and comradery Canadians are known for when they compete in Austria in 2017!"
Team Canada starts on the road to Austria May 12 with their first official training camp for the Games held in Orangeville, Ontario. Over the next 10 months, Special Olympics Team Canada athletes, with the mentorship and guidance of Salé, will be hard at work, training for the experience of a lifetime.
To view the full Team Canada roster, please click here. Congratulations to all members of Team Canada and good luck in 2017!
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).