VANCOUVER – Telus is providing mobile devices and service to Canada’s athletes and coaches at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. Telus has been a long-time supporter of Special Olympics Canada, donating more than $300,000 to support the program since 2009.
In addition to providing mobile devices, Telus will also cover the network expenses for Special Olympics Team Canada’s 141 members during the World Winter Games from January 29 to February 5, 2013. Along with having the ability to phone home as often as the athletes wish, Canada’s Special Olympics Team coaches will have smartphones capable of accessing social media platforms to share their experiences in real-time with fellow Canadians.
“As an Olympian, I can appreciate the roller-coaster of excitement, nerves and joy that follow you throughout international competition, and that’s when, as an athlete, you need your biggest supporters the most,” said Steve Podborski, Telus National Director, Community Sport. “I’m thrilled Telus, through the use of technology, has made it easy for our Special Olympics team to stay in touch with their loved ones while they are representing Canada in Pyeongchang. Being able to celebrate such monumental accomplishments with family halfway around the world really makes all of the training, time and effort worthwhile.”
The 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games are expected to be the world’s largest sporting event in 2013, bringing together more than 3,300 athletes from 112 countries.
“The 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be a truly life changing experience for everyone involved,” explained Jennifer Campbell, Chef de Mission for Special Olympics Team Canada. “Our athletes have trained for this moment, but would have never achieved as much as they have without the support of their family, friends and coaches. Thanks to Telus’ generous donation, Special Olympics Team Canada can remain in touch with their greatest supporters while they represent our country in Pyeongchang.”
