IGNITE the Light aims to raise $1
million in donations by selling 40,000 virtual seats at
$25 each and will run from
July 9 to September 8,
2024
OTTAWA,
ON, July 9, 2024 /CNW/ - As the countdown to
the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
hits the 50-day mark, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC),
through its philanthropic partner, the Paralympic Foundation of
Canada (PFC), is thrilled to
unveil the IGNITE the Light virtual seats fundraising
initiative. This groundbreaking initiative calls on Canadians from
coast to coast to coast to show their support for the nation's
Paralympic athletes by purchasing virtual seats, filling a virtual
stadium filled with national pride and encouragement.
IGNITE the Light aims to raise $1
million by selling 40,000 virtual seats at $25 each, running from July 9 to September 8, 2024. The campaign will
see Canadian donors receive a unique and personalized virtual seat
in the form of a customized graphic to share across their social
media platforms.
"We are proud to launch this first ever IGNITE the Light virtual
seats fundraiser, an initiative that allows every Canadian to be a
part of the Paralympic Movement," said Karen O'Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic
Committee. "For years, Canadians have told us how much they are
behind the Canadian Paralympic Team. This is their chance to
showcase that support to ensure our athletes have the essential
resources they need for years to come to achieve their dreams and
to showcase the power of inclusivity in sport."
The IGNITE the Light initiative is about more than just raising
funds for the Canadian Paralympic Team; it's about igniting
life-changing opportunities, belief, and inclusion for Canadians
with disabilities through sport. By purchasing a virtual seat,
supporters contribute to a future where Canadians with a disability
can experience the transformative power of sport. This initiative
will help Canadians overcome the expense of adaptive sport
equipment, will help them gain access to Paralympic sport programs
and coaches, and benefit from specialized training and competition
opportunities.
"The funds raised will make a significant impact, not only in
removing barriers and changing the lives of our athletes but also
in promoting a more inclusive society," said Dean Brokop,
Executive Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. "By igniting opportunity, we ensure
that Canadians with a disability get the support they need to
experience the power of sport. By igniting belief, we create
champions who are shining examples of how greatness moves us. And
by igniting inclusion, Canadians can help build healthier
communities where they live and where every person feels they
belong. We are grateful for the incredible support from Canadians
and look forward to seeing the virtual stadium sold out."
Canadians are invited to be part of this historic initiative by
purchasing virtual seats here, sharing their participation on
social media, and encouraging friends and family to join in.
Together, Canadians can illuminate the virtual stadium with the
collective energy and pride of the nation.
"Having support from all of Canada is incredibly impactful," said
Tess Routliffe, Canadian Para
swimmer headed to her second Paralympic Games in Paris. "We always feel the backing of our
family and friends, but to see the entire nation rallying behind us
and celebrating inclusion in such an innovative way is truly epic.
It's amazing to visually experience the widespread encouragement
and support through the IGNITE the Light campaign."
To further celebrate this momentous occasion, Canadians are also
invited to join the IGNITE the Lights Across Canada celebration
happening this evening. More than 50 iconic landmarks and buildings
across the country, including the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Calgary Tower, BC Place, and La
Grande Roue de Montreal, will be
illuminated in vibrant colours to honour the Canadian Paralympic
Team. Take photos of your local illuminations and share them on
social media with the hashtag #IGNITEtheLight to show your support
and excitement for the upcoming Games.
For more information and updates, visit
Paralympic.ca/ignite.
About the Canadian Paralympic Committee:
The Canadian
Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization in
partnership with 27 member sport organizations, dedicated to the
power and impact of Paralympic sport. Holding a vision of an
inclusive world realized through Paralympic sport, its mission is
to deliver the best-prepared teams for Games excellence while
modeling and promoting disability inclusion and accessibility.
Championing the stories and successes of high-performance athletes
with disabilities, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires
Canadians to embrace inclusivity and actively engage in sports. For
more insights, visit Paralympic.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Paralympic Committee (Sponsorships)