VANCOUVER, BC
- On Sunday, May 10, players, alumni and staff from the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Vancouver Canadians will unite with the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) at BC Place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the 3rd Annual CAN Sports Day event. The event will invite 275 children with autism to participate in sports activities led by athletes and mascots from Vancouver’s four professional sports teams. BC Place has generously donated the use of their venue for this event.
“We are thrilled that all four professional sports teams will unite once again in support of individuals and families living with autism,” says Katy Harandi, CEO, Canucks Autism Network. “Last year’s CAN Sports Day event was an incredible success and we are delighted to be able to accommodate 75 more participants with autism and their parents this year. This event is an amazing opportunity for children on the spectrum to feel accepted, safe and supported while participating in sports activities alongside their sports heroes.”
“We’re thrilled to again join our friends from the ‘Caps, Lions and Canadians for CAN Sports Day to celebrate and embrace sport with the many inspiring kids and families participating,” said Vancouver Canucks President, Hockey Operations, Trevor Linden. “This is such a fun event for these deserving families and something we’re honoured to be a part of.”
“The BC Lions Football Club is excited to be participating in the 3rd Annual CAN Sports Day event," says Jamie Taras, Director, Community Relations. “Every year so far has been an incredible success joining forces with all four pro sports teams in the province for one fun-filled afternoon! This is a wonderful opportunity for families and their children affected by autism to have a special experience along with some of their favourite local sports personalities.”
“CAN Sports Day is a fantastic program that has brought Vancouver’s professional sports teams together,” said Whitecaps FC President, Bob Lenarduzzi. “It is so special that we can come together for a worthwhile cause and bring joy to these very deserving families. Giving back to the community is extremely important to the ‘Caps and we hope that our participation results in positive memories for these kids for years to come.”
“Providing young people with the opportunity to develop important life skills is something that both the Vancouver Canadians and the Canucks Autism Network believe strongly in,” states Andy Dunn, President and Partner, Vancouver Canadians. “We couldn’t be more excited to be involved in the only annual event that joins all four professional sports teams in Vancouver with the end goal being to provide an incredible experience for the young people that develop through the Canucks Autism Network”.
Media are invited to attend at 2 p.m. PT and enter through the East gate entrance. Opening ceremonies will take place at 2:00 p.m. PT followed by a group photo prior to the start of the sports activities. Canucks Autism Network CEO, Katy Harandi, and select families living with autism will be available for interviews between 2:00 p.m. PT and 4:00 p.m. PT.
PLEASE NOTE:
Team representatives will be available for interviews at 4:00 p.m.
What:
3rd Annual CAN Sports Day
When:
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Where:
BC Place
When:
Team representatives at 4:00 p.m.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK (CAN)
The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing year round, innovative, high quality sports, recreational, social and arts programs for individuals and families living with autism while spreading awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia. For more information, please visit www.canucksautism.ca.
