TORONTO, 5 April — Canada’s top entertainers joined the Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman at Nathan Phillips Square here yesterday for an Olympic Salute to the 2002 Canadian Winter Olympic heroes and Paralympic champions.
Hosted by Olympian Curt Harnett, the event was kick-off with the Canadian national anthem sung by acclaimed tenor and theater-great, Michael Burgess. The celebration’s showcase concert lineup also includes the rhyming skills of Canadian hip-hop pioneer and Juno award-winner, Maestro, vintage rock and R&B classics from legendary Robbie Lane and the Disciples, and the high-energy musical talent of Toronto’s up-and-coming alt-rock band, Grindig.
According to an official announcement here, fans was have an opportunity to meet their favorite Olympians during an half-an-hour autograph session. Canada’s gold, silver and bronze heroes — the true stars of the celebration — share their Olympic triumphs and favorite moments with the audience. Olympians currently scheduled to appear include: Women’s Bobsleigh pilot Christina Smith, freestyle skiing Andy Capicik and silver medalist Veronica Brenner, women’s hockey gold medal winners Therese Brisson, Cherie Piper, Cheryl Pounder, and Vicky Sunohara, Alpine slalom skiing gold medalist Chris Williamson and sledge hockey team members, Paul Rosen, Bradley Bowen and Graeme Murray.
The mayor’s office is awaiting final confirmation from Canada’s gold-winning speed-skater Marc Gagnon. Immediately following the rally, the athletes was travel to nearby SkyDome to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Toronto Blue Jays season opener. The Pre-game celebration was commence at 3:30 p.m. with game time scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Toronto’s Olympic Salute is sponsored by Mayor Lastman, the Canadian Olympic Association and residents of Toronto.
