Media Releases
February 20, 2006
Sport Expo Names Athlete Ambassadors
Sport Expo 2006 today welcomed Canadian Champion curler Jennifer Jones and Manitoba Moose captain Mike Keane as Athlete Ambassadors for the charity event Sunday, March 19th at the MTS Centre.
"We are excited to have two of Manitoba’s most prominent athletes be part of our event,” said Sport Expo Chair Bill Morrissey. “Jennifer and Mike are tremendous role models for all youth, symbolizing what can be achieved through sport and giving so much back to the community."
Jones won the Manitoba and in spectacular fashion the Canadian Women’s Curling Championship in 2005. She begins defense of her Scott Tournament of Hearts title as skip of Team Canada in London, Ontario later this week.
"I can’t place a value on what participating in sport has meant to me ever since the first time I threw a curling rock," said Jones. "The life skills, the fulfillment of working as a team, the fun, excitement and rewards that I’ve enjoyed should be available to all kids regardless of their situation. In KidSport and through events like Sport Expo it’s gratifying to know that opportunities do exist that can make a difference in young peoples lives."
Keane played in over 1,000 games in the NHL that spanned 16 seasons before joining the Moose this season and being named captain of the team.
"Having grown up in Winnipeg involved in sports my whole life, I realize the importance of a program like KidSport which gives all kids the opportunity to be active and enjoy the camaraderie created by a team," said Keane. "The 2nd Sport Expo is a fantastic way to not only raise money for the program, but to show the kids themselves what sports are available to them and what sports can do for them."
Sport Expo presented by Great-West Life in support of KidSport takes place on Sunday, March 19th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at MTS Centre. In addition to autograph sessions with athletes, Sport Expo will feature over 40 interactive sports displays and exhibitions, Winnipeg’s largest ever garage sale of gently used sports equipment and the Optimist Foundation Rainbow Auction. Equipment donations for the event are currently being accepted at any City of Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Station or any Winnipeg Sobeys store.
Event tickets are also on sale at Sobeys or through Ticketmaster. A family pass for four including one adult is $10 (kids under 6 are free). Individual tickets are $3 each.
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For more information, contact:
Tess Wilson
Provincial KidSport Manager
926-8351
Email
or
Bill Morrissey
Sport Expo Chair
488-5120
Email
