Toronto – The Province of Ontario public tribute to its Summer Olympics Athletes September 13, will be held in conjunction with the official opening of “a celebration of Amateur Sport in Ontario” permanent display in Queen’s Park, Tourism and Recreation Minister Reuben Baetz announced last week.
“The Los Angeles Olympics were the best ever for Canada, Baetz said. “We invite the people of Ontario to celebrate the great contribution-Ontario athletes made to that success. On this day we will be expressing our pride toward our Summer Olympians and we will be recognizing the achievements of the many athletes who have come before them with the permanent display in the Legislature. It will be a great day for Amateur Sports in Ontario.”
The 233 Ontario Athletes who competed in the summer Olympics in Los Angeles are being invited to the celebration on the front grounds of Queen’s Park. Each will be introduced by Bob Secord, assistant deputy minister. Baetz and Premier William Davis will address the audience. A male and female athlete selected from the 44 Ontario athletes who returned from the games with medals, including six individual gold and one team gold, will also speak. The tribute will be at 11:30 a.m. with music from band of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Introduction of the athletes plus the 68 coaches, managers and support staff from Ontario who participated in the Olympics, begins at noon.
Immediately prior to the public ceremony, Davis, Baetz and several athletes and officials will open the Celebration of Amateur Sport display in the east wing of the Ontario Legislature. The display will highlight accomplishments in various international sports by Ontarians.
Following the public celebration the athletes will attend a private reception given by Lieutenant – Governor John B. Aird.
Attending from Whitby will be Anne Ottenbrite, the first Canadian woman ever to win a gold medal in swimming, and Glenn Beauchamp, who came, fourth in the 71 kilogram division of the judo competition.
