Over 500 students and faculty gathered at Bill Crothers Secondary school to officially launch the Ontario Games Alumni Program which was created to support the development and growth of amateur athletes across the province.

MPP Michael Coteau, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Michael Chan, and Holly Abraham, Sport Alliance Ontario Chair were on hand to officially announce the launch of this exciting program and to introduce the first round of alumni. Athletes from around the province who previously participated in the Ontario Games, were invited to join the Alumni program and act as role models and mentors for sport in Ontario. Those who participated in the launch of the Ontario Games Alumni Program included London 2012 Olympians Crispin Duenas (Archer) and Candace Chapman (Bronze Medalist Soccer); 2008 Paralympian and Bronze Medalist Erika Schmutz (Wheelchair Rugby); 2012 Canadian National Champion Meagan Duhamel (Figure Skating); 1999 and 2003 Pan Am Athlete Jesse Young (Basketball) and international competitor Paisley Perrie (Speed Skating).

An inspirational message was delivered by Soccer Star and Olympic Bronze Medalist, Diana Matheson, who spoke to how dreams really do begin at the Ontario Games. Following a question and answer period with the alumni and students, in the spirit of sport, Ontario Games Alumni participated in a wheelchair basketball game against faculty and staff of Bill Crothers.

“The Ontario Games program is a cornerstone of Ontario’s commitment to amateur athletes,” said Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport. “Having competed at an international level, these remarkable alumni athletes are perfect examples of the importance of movement through the Canadian and Ontario sport systems, from playground to podium.”

“Sport Alliance Ontario is so pleased to have these athletes representing our program, acting as ambassadors for the Ontario Games, by encouraging participation, development, and promoting an active healthy lifestyle to athletes in our province.” said Holly Abraham, Sport Alliance Ontario Chair.

The focus of the Ontario Games Alumni Program is to inspire individuals of all ages to participate in sport and make them aware of their potential to participate in the Ontario Games Program.