Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) celebrates International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

Amid growing excitement for the upcoming Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games and the Year of Sport in Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is celebrating the United Nations International Day Of Persons With Disabilities on Wednesday (3 December) by continuing to work with partners towards becoming the world's leading Paralympic nation.

• Enhancing the visibility and awareness of Canadian Paralympic athletes remains a priority. On Wednesday evening (3 December) in Ottawa, Team Canada Chef de Mission for the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, Elisabeth Walker-Young, a four-time Paralympic swimmer, will emcee the Parliament Hill Christmas Lights Across Canada Illumination Ceremony.

• In the area of high performance sport, preparations are well established for the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, which will run 1-15 August 2015 and feature 1,608 athletes from 28 countries competing in 15 sports. Team Canada is expected to send a team of approximately 200 athletes and has set a goal of finishing in the top three nations in the total medal count.

• The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games are also on the horizon, with planning, consultations and visits well under way in order to help provide Team Canada's athletes and coaches with optimal environments for excellence.

• The Canadian Paralympic Committee's From Playground to Podium fundraising campaign, launched on Tuesday (3 December), is off to a strong start with over CAD 24,000 raised so far. Funds raised will help the CPC deliver its world-class programs. The campaign runs until 31 December 2014. To contribute, please visit Paralympic.ca/donate.

"Today is an exciting milestone, a day that reminds us to continue to advance the important work of improving opportunities, accessibility and investment in par-asport," said Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"Looking ahead to 2015, the Year of Sport in Canada, we are optimistic and energised by a strong 2014 and look forward with great anticipation to the upcoming home Games in Toronto, as well as future Paralympic Games and the next generation of champions."