Canada's Olympic athletes celebrate 2012 Juno awards
London 2012 Olympic Hopefuls To Present At Awards
TORONTO - When it comes to music that really moves you, Canada's Olympic athletes know what they're talking about. On Sunday, April 1st, London 2012 Olympic Hopefuls will join the celebration of Canadian achievement in recorded music at the 2012 JUNO Awards. They include:
Presenting JUNO Award:
Two-time Olympic silver medallist, diver Alexandre Despatie (Juno Award Presenter)
Olympian and two-time World Championship medallist, diver Jennifer Abel (Juno Award Presenter)
Attending JUNO Awards:
Three-time Olympic medallist, kayaker Adam van Koeverden
Three-time World Champion and five-time Pan American gold medalist, boxer Mary Spencer
Olympian and two-time World Junior Champion, sprint canoer Mark Oldershaw
2007 World Championships and 2011 Pan American Games gold medalist, trampoline gymnast Rosie MacLennan
Canada's top ranked hurdler and 2012 Olympic hopeful, hurdler Nikkita Holder
Olympian and two-time World Championship silver medallist and one-time bronze medallist, rower Andréanne Morin
Olympian, 2011 Pan American Games gold medalist and two-time World Aquatics Championship bronze medallist, synchronized swimmer ÉliseMarcotte
Olympian, 2011 Pan American Games gold medalist and 2011 FINA World Aquatic Championships bronze medallist, synchronized swimmer Tracy Little
"I'm very excited to be presenting an award alongside my teammate Jennifer Abel," said Alexandre Despatie. "I look forward to meeting some of my favourite Canadian artists and representing the Canadian Olympic Team."
"I have been a great fan of music since I was a little girl, so to actually be part of the event is truly exciting," said Jennifer Abel. "Alex (Despatie) and I are used to performing in front of large crowds but presenting a music award is an honour. Looking forward to it!"
"I've had the pleasure of attending the JUNO Awards in the past and they are always a lot of fun," said Adam van Koeverden. "Music always plays such a huge part in getting an athlete pumped before training and competitions."
"I am looking forward to seeing amazing musical talent all in one venue at the JUNO Awards this Sunday," said Mary Spencer. "Listening to my favourite artists while I train definitely plays a part in keeping me motivated."
"I am excited to be attending the awards on Sunday," said Mark Oldershaw. "2012 won't only be a great year for Canadian music but for Canadian athletes too."
"This will be my first time attending the JUNO Awards and I'm extremely excited," said Rosie MacLennan. "To see many of the artists that you listen to while training everyday will be an amazing experience."
"I have always enjoyed watching the JUNO Awards so to be there live, celebrating Canadian talent, is simply awesome," said Nikkita Holder. "It's going to be a great night."
"I'm looking forward to seeing some of my favourite bands perform and celebrate great Canadian music", said Andréanne Morin. "Music not only helps get an athlete pumped up, but also helps an athlete unwind after competitions".
"Music is such a huge part of my sport," said Élise Marcotte. "Finding the right piece of music for the team is key, so I'm excited to see so many of the great artists we listen to everyday."
"I am really excited about the JUNO Awards," said Tracy Little. "Synchronized swimming is a sport that goes hand in hand with great music."
The JUNO Awards is Canada's premiere music awards show. It is the culmination of a week-long celebration of Canadian music, where Canadian artists are recognized for excellence of achievement in recorded music. JUNO Week 2012 will be held in Ottawa from March 26 to April 1.
Follow the athletes on Twitter: @ADespatie; @JennAbel91; @canadianboxer; @vankayak; @MarkOldershaw; @RosieMacLennan; @Brownnstone; @andiemorin; @elisemarcotte; @Tracy_Little
ATHLETE BIOGRAPHIES
Alexandre Despatie (Diving): A Laval, Quebec native and winner of 36 Canadian senior diving championships, Alexandre is also the only diver ever to have achieved World Champion status in all three diving categories: the 1-metre and 3-metre springboards, and the 10-metre platform.
Jennifer Abel (Diving): A Laval, Quebec native, Jennifer was named the 2011 Aquatic Federation of Canada's female athlete of the year. 2011 was a dominant year for Jennifer. She won 17 medals in 20 events, in competitions on both the national and international level. Jennifer did not miss a single podium on the 3-metre event all season 2011, an incredible feat for any diver. Her highlight so far in the Olympic year is her win on the 3m single event at the German Grand Prix in February.
Adam van Koeverden (Kayak): This Oakville, Ontario born athlete is a three-time Olympic medallist, two-time World Champion and holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest 500m ever in a canoe or kayak. He was Canada's flag bearer at the closing ceremonies of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and at the opening ceremonies in Beijing in 2008.
Mary Spencer (Boxing): This boxer from Wiarton, Ontario is excited about the first-time inclusion of female boxing in this year's Olympic Games. Ranked #1 in Canada and the world, Mary has dominated the sport, earning three World Championships, nine National Championships and five gold medals at the Pan American Championships.
Mark Oldershaw (Sprint Canoe): A native of Burlington, Ontario, Mark is a two-time World Junior Champion, competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and last year had two top-five finishes at the World Championships.
Rosie MacLennan (Trampoline): Born in Toronto, Ontario, Rosie won a gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. This was followed by a second place finish at the Trampoline World Championships in Birmingham, UK.
Nikkita Holder (Hurdles): A native of Pickering, Ontario, Nikkita is a Canadian track and field athlete who specializes in the 100 metre hurdles. She placed sixth in the 100 metre hurdles at the 2011 World Championships and is hoping to make her Olympic debut in London.
Andréanne Morin (Rowing): Born in Quebec City,Andréanne is a two-time Olympian. At the 2008 Beijing Games, she and her teammates had a 4th place finish. The women's eight crew has since earned a silver medal at the 2010 and 2011 World Championships and Morin finished 5th at the 2010 World Championships in the pairs event.
Élise Marcotte (Synchronized Swimming): A native of L'Ancienne-Lorette, QC, Élise represented Canada at the 2008 Olympic Games, and won gold medals in both the duet and team events with the National Team at the 2011 Pan American Games, as well as bronze medals in the combo events at the 2011 and 2009 FINA World Aquatics Championships.
Tracy Little (Synchronized Swimming): Born in Pointe-Claire, QC, Tracy represented Canada at the 2008 Olympic Games and won a gold medal in the team event at the 2011 Pan American Games and a bronze one in the combo event with the National team at the 2011 FINA World Aquatic Championships.
This document is also available at www.olympic.ca
-30-
|
Jane Almeida 3/31/2012 |
Contact: |
|
|
