Canadian Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and builders receive Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals

Events in Vancouver, Ottawa held to honour London 2012 Athletes

VANCOUVER / OTTAWA, Jan. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, 70 of Canada's Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and builders gathered in both Vancouver and Ottawa to honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Recipients were awarded their medal by the Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Bal Gosal and Minister Gordon O'Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip.

"London 2012 was special for every single member of the Team and receiving the Diamond Jubilee medal tells me that what we accomplished is special in the eyes of those Canadians who cheered us on in London," said Olympic bronze-medallist swimmer, Brent Hayden, who was also recently named to the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, where Friday's event took place. "Today is also a humbling reminder that athletes aren't just doing this for ourselves; we're out there training and competing for our communities and our country. What we do means a lot to Canadians and this medal will be a reminder to all of us of the impact that we can have."

"It's an amazing honour to receive a Diamond Jubilee medal," said Jason Dunkerley, who won silver and bronze medals in athletics at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. "It's something that I'll look back at and cherish for ever. I owe the chance to represent Canada and to medal in London to the incredible support of the people around me -- my wife Colleen, my guide runner Josh Karanja, my coach Ian Clark, family and friends. I'd like to thank these people for being a part of this honour and for supporting me to do something that I love."

"I was born in England shortly after Queen Elizabeth became Queen, and attended her coronation in a pram!" said former Paralympic women's wheelchair basketball coach Tim Frick. "Our family came to Canada in 1957 and since that time we have been grateful for the opportunities and experiences we have received. To me, the Queen symbolizes loyalty and service to our country and the Commonwealth, and I am proud to have contributed to the Paralympic movement. The Jubilee medal is indeed an impressive public honour, but to me it has extra special meaning on a personal level."

"It is so wonderful to see this new generation of Canadian Olympians being honoured like this," said Canadian Olympic Committee Board Member and Olympic Silver Medallist, Charmaine Crooks. "It's such a pleasure for me to be here with them as they're recognized for their incredible efforts."

"With celebrations like this, we can see how Canada's Olympic athletes are, more and more, having a real and recognized impact on our great country," said Canadian Olympic Committee Immediate Past President and Board Member, Michael Chambers. "I couldn't be more proud to be here with them to celebrate this special day."

"I am sincerely proud and thrilled to be recognized with such a significant award," said David Legg, President, Canadian Paralympic Committee. "I have loved every minute of my association with the Paralympic Movement and that is perhaps reward enough, however being recognized with such luminaries is a distinct pleasure."

The Diamond Jubilee medals provide an opportunity to honour exceptional Canadians for their contributions to their fellow citizens, communities and country. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians from across the country and various walks of life will be recognized.

The following were recipients today of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal:

London 2012 Olympians
Brent Hayden, Bronze Medallist, Swimming
Dorothy Ludwig, Shooting
Michael Mason, Athletics
Riley McCormick, Diving
Tobias Ng, Badminton
Catharine Pendrel, Cycling
Jessica Smith, Athletics
Michael Wilkinson, Rowing
Courtnay Pilypaitis, Basketball
Nick Tritton, Judo
Joelle Numainville, Cycling
Aleksandra Wozniak, Tennis
Sasha Mehmedovic, Judo

London 2012 Paralympians
Kevin Evans, Archery
Nathan Dewitt, Athletics
Braedon Dolfo, Athletics
Dustin Walsh, Athletics
Dylan Williamson, Athletics Guide
Josh Vander Vies, Boccia, 2012 Bronze medallist
Doug Ripley, Goalball
Meghan Montgomery, Rowing
Joan Reid, Rowing
Tony Theriault, Rowing
Stacie Louttit, Sailing, 2008 Bronze medallist
John McRoberts, Sailing, 2008 Bronze medallist
Doug Blessin, Shooting
Christos Trifonidis, Shooting
Scott Patterson, Swimming, 2002 Bronze medallist (alpine skiing)
Nathan Stein, Swimming, 2012 Silver medallist
Janet McLachlan, Wheelchair Basketball
Jessica Vliegenthart, Wheelchair Basketball
Ian Chan, Wheelchair Rugby, 2012 Silver, 2008 Bronze, 2004 Silver medallist
Trevor Hirschfield, Wheelchair Rugby, 2012 Silver medallist, 2008 Bronze medallist
Travis Murao, Wheelchair Rugby, 2012 Silver medallist
Jason Dunkerley, Athletics, 2012 Silver and Bronze medallist, 2008 Bronze medallist,
2004 Silver medallist, 2000 Silver medallist
Jonathan Dunkerley, Athletics
Joshua Karanja, Athletics - Guide, 2012 Silver and Bronze medallist
Brianna Jennett-McNeill, Swimming

Canadian Paralympic Committee Recipients
Josh Dueck, Athlete, Para-Alpine Skiing, 2010 Silver Medallist
Michael Edgson, Athlete, Swimming/Builder/Coach, 1992 Gold (five-time) and Silver
medallist, 1998 Gold medallist (eight-time); 1984 Gold (four-time) and Silver medallist
Jennifer Krempien, Athlete, Wheelchair Basketball, 2004 Bronze 2000/1996/1992 Gold medallist
Lilo Ljubisic, Athlete, Athletics, 1996 Bronze medallist (two-time), 1992 Gold and Silver
medallist, 1988 Bronze medallist
Tyler Mosher, Athlete, Para-Nordic
Patrick Harris, Builder
Laurel Crosby, Builder
John Cumberbirch, Builder
Jane James, Builder
Terrie Moore, Builder
Isabel Reinertson, Builder
Elisabeth Walker-Young, Builder/Athlete, Swimming, 2004 Bronze medallist, 2000 Gold
medalist (three-time), 1996 Bronze medallist
Annie Johnston, Builder
Tim Frick, Coach
Reg Shaw, Coach
Herb Torrance, Coach
Janet Dunn, Coach/Builder
David Legg, Builder
Jordan Bridal, Builder
Michelle Killins, Builder
Linda Sheehan, Builder
Lorette Dupuis, Builder
Dr. Richard Goudie, Builder
Blair McIntosh, Builder
Dr. Jennifer McTavish, Builder
Craig McCord, Coach
Carla Qualtrough, Builder
Andrea Carey, Builder
Rob Needham, Builder
Gaétan Tardif, Builder
Jim Westlake, Builder
Hugh Conlin, Coach

Please note that all London 2012 athletes will be receiving the Diamond Jubilee medal. These names announced today are of those who were present at the awards events held in Vancouver and Ottawa.

SOURCE: Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)