TORONTO – TSN’s ongoing support of Special Olympics Canada continues Saturday with the sixth-annual Special Olympics Day, celebrating the inspirational achievements of Special Olympics athletes across Canada.
All day December 9th, TSN will televise a collection of features/vignettes focusing on courageous and motivating Special Olympics athletes, including rhythmic gymnast Emily Boycott and track and field competitor Mark Boticella.
TSN will also honour the annual SOC Award Recipients for 2006, including the male and female athlete and coach of the year, team of the year, and the national male and female volunteers of the year.
Highlighting the day’s programming on TSN is the live two-hour special – Special Olympics Day on TSN – at 1 p.m. ET. ESPN Classic will air encore broadcasts at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET. Hosted by Vic Rauter and Jennifer Hedger, the show celebrates the accomplishments of SOC athletes, coaches and volunteers, featuring live, in-studio interviews with Canadian sports figures.
"TSN has been a strong supporter of Special Olympics Canada since the network’s inception 22 years ago," said Rick Chisholm, vice-president of programming and production, TSN. "We are proud to support an organization that offers Canadian athletes the chance to pursue their dreams and compete in world-class events."
During Special Olympics Day, viewers will be invited to call the Special Olympics hotline at 1-888-888-0608 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET to donate funds to Special Olympics Canada. Callers will also receive information on volunteer and coaching opportunities with SOC.
Viewers can also log on to www.specialolympics.ca throughout the day to make donations and acquire additional SOC information. Canadian celebrities answering phones include current IBF super bantamweight champion boxer Steve Molitor and Toronto FC midfielder Jim Brennan.
Over the years, hundreds of TSN staff have donated their time and efforts to Special Olympics Day on TSN and the Special Olympics Festival Gala.
