Canadian Paralympic Committee Celebrates One Year to Go to the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

Team Canada aims to match Vancouver 2010 performances

#CDNWinterMoments

#1YearToGo | #1AnAvant

OTTAWA, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - With exactly one year to go until the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee is looking forward with great anticipation to the Canadian Paralympic Team competing in Sochi.

Building on the success of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Team's goal is to finish in the top three nations at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, based on gold medal count - which would match the team's performance in Vancouver.

"Perform in the moment, take pride in the journey" is Chef de Mission Ozzie Sawicki's vision for Team Canada.

"Our expectation of continuing the success attained in Vancouver 2010 remains the target for Sochi in 2014," says Sawicki. "We have certainly seen quality podium efforts from our winter athletes over the past month at World Cup and World Championship events and expect that the pride shown in the journey to Sochi will transition in to performances in Sochi at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games."

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from March 7 to 16 and will include six sports: para-alpine skiing, biathlon, para-Nordic skiing, sledge hockey, wheelchair curling and for the first time in a Paralympic Winter Games, para-snowboard.

"The upcoming year will be key to finalizing our team's preparations towards great performances in Sochi, and we will work diligently with our sports partners in delivering an optimal environment for success," said Rob Needham, Executive Director of Sport for the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Canada will compete in all sports and will send approximately 50 athletes to Sochi. The Canadian Paralympic Team will be finalized and announced in February 2014.

Engaging Canadians to build momentum towards Sochi

In celebration of the One Year to Go mark, the Canadian Paralympic Committee is inviting Canadians to share their favorite Canadian Winter Moments on Twitter by tweeting a picture, using the hashtag #CDNWinterMoments and following @CDNParalympics for a chance to win one of five Sochi 2014 prize packs.

Whether it's playing hockey, making snow angels, cheering on your Canadian athletes or enjoying hot cocoa, show us your favorite moments in the Great White North!

Contest opens Thursday March 7 at 2 p.m. EST and closes Thursday March 14 at 11:59 p.m. EST. For full contest rules and regulations, visit http://onekontest.com/CDNWinterMoments when contest opens.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee:

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)