2003: The Drive Continues....

January 15, 2003

Governor General announces 13 Meritorious Service Decorations

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, today announced that Mike Nemesvary is one of 13 Canadian who will be awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. This important honour is awarded to individuals whose specific achievements have brought honour to Canada.

October 23, 2002

RWC marked its one year anniversary with a very successfull "Tour of Embassies" event on October 23, 2002. In a one-day marathon drive and visit to 14 embassies, Mike formally recognized the support provided by the countries visited during the 2001 'Round the World Challenge trip. Thankyou to the many embassy and consulate staff for taking the time to greet us and for your continued support of the Challenge!

September 16 - October 16, 2002

Ottawa City Hall: "Off the Beaten Path: Our Neighbours' Extraordinary Journeys
City of Ottawa archives features the 'Round the World Challenge as part of an exhibit on famous journeys made by Ottawa residents.
(Exhibit runs until October 16, at City Hall gallery, Ottawa, Ontario.)

September 27, 2002

On September 27, 2002, Mike Nemesvary received the 2002 Ontario March of Dimes Rick Hansen Award of Excellence. Created and named in honour of Rick Hansen, this award is presented periodically to an individual who has made outstanding contributions, or, whose outstanding acheivements, have benefited the cause of persons with physical disabilities at the national/international level.

2001: 'Round the World Challenge

Mon., October 15: Montréal, Quebec

The Challenge arrives in Montréal!
Highlights of the Montreal stopover, (Oct. 15-17) include a special ceremony at Montreal City Hall, a visit at the Centre Lucie Bruneau, an address to students and faculty at John Abbott College, and a fundraising cocktail reception at the Montreal Science Centre (Centre iSci).
Montréal Media Advisory
Avis aux médias

Thur., October 11: Kingston, Ontario

Highlights of the stopover include an official welcome by the City of Kingston, and the Providence Continuing Care Centre. Kingston Media Advisory

Wed., October 10: Belleville, Ontario

Highlights of the stopover include an official welcome by the Province, the City of Belleville, and Quinte Healthcare Corporation. Belleville Media Advisory

Mon., October 6: Peterborough, Ontario

Highlights of the stopover include an official welcome by the Province, the City of Peterborough, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Peterborough Media Advisory

Thur., October 4: Toronto, Ontario

Public Lecture by Dr. Michael Fehlings, Head, Spinal Program, Toronto Western Hospital on Spinal Cord Research and Rehabilitation. Details
Press Release

A very special luncheon, hosted by David Crombie. Details and order form

Fri., September 28: North Bay, Ontario, CANADA

The Team arrives in North Bay on Friday, September 28, 2001. Highlights of the stopover include an official welcome by the City of North Bay and local supporters.
North Bay Advisory and Schedule

Thur., September 27: Sudbury, Ontario, CANADA

The Team arrives in Sudbury on Thursday, September 27, 2001. Highlights of the stopover include an official welcome by the City of Sudbury, and the Hôpital Régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital.
Sudbury Advisory and Schedule

Tue., September 25: Thunder Bay, Ontario, CANADA

The Team arrives in Sault Ste. Marie on Tuesday, September 25, 2001. Highlights of the stopover include an official welcome by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Province of Ontario and the Sault Area Hospitals.
Sault Ste. Marie Advisory and Schedule

Fri., September 20: Thunder Bay, Ontario, CANADA - First stop in Ontario

Mike and the Team arrive in Thunder Bay on Friday, September 21, 2001. Highlights of the stopover will include an official welcome by the City of Thunder Bay, the Canadian Paraplegic Association and St. Joseph's Care Group.
Thunder Bay Media Advisory and Schedule

Tue., September 18 - Wed., September 19: Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA

Highlights of the stopover include an official welcome by the Province, the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Health Sciences Centre and the Canadian Paraplegic Association.
Winnipeg advisory and events

Mon., September 17, 2001: Brandon, Manitoba, CANADA

Mike and the Challenge Team will be officially welcomed to Brandon by city and provincial officials, the Canadian Paraplegic Association and supporters from Career Connections Inc. Greetings and video presentation will be followed by a reception.
Brandon advisory and events

Thursday, Sept. 14, 2001 - Friday, Sept. 15, 2001: Regina, Saskatchewan

The Challenge arrives in Regina on Friday, September 14, 2001. Highlights of the two-day stopover include an official welcome by the City, the Canadian Paraplegic Association and local federal and provincial representatives, and participation in the CPA Wheelchair Relay to be held on Saturday September 15, 2001. In addition, a special tour of the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre has been planned.
Sept 12, 2001: Regina events

Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001: Calgary, Alberta

In light of yesterday's tragic events in the United States, the 'Round the World Challenge has cancelled this morning's planned sailing adventure on the Glenmore Reservoir and has shortened the evening reception for tonight, Wednesday, September 12, 2001.
Calgary advisory and event schedule

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001: Calgary, Alberta

The ‘Round the World Challenge arrives in Calgary on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Highlights of the two-day stopover include the announcement of the Challenge’s latest corporate sponsors and a sailing adventure aboard the 23-foot "PFC Freedom II" to be held on Wednesday, September 12, on Calgary’s Glenmore Reservoir by Canadian quadriplegic Mike Nemesvary. In addition, a special fundraising reception in his honour and visits to rehabilitation and fitness centres in the city are planned.
Calgary event schedule

Saturday, September 8, 2001: Kamloops, British Columbia

'Round the World Challenge arrives in Kamloops on Saturday, September 8, 2001, with an offical welcome by Councillor John O'Fee. Highlights include a special reception and a visit to a specialized community living facility.
Kamloops event schedule

Tuesday, September 4, 2001: CANADA

Mike and the Team will finally cross back into Canada, with events in Vancouver, British Columbia from September 4-7.
Vancouver events schedule and media advisory

Thursday, August 30, 2001: San Francisco

Mike and the Team will be in San Francisco, California, United States where Mayor Willie Brown will proclaim August 30, 2001 "Mike Nemesvary Day"

Monday, August 27, 2001: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Guess Who, with special guest Joe Cocker, concert at the Corel Centre, Ottawa. Proceeds going to the ‘Round the World Challenge! News Release....

Thursday, July 5, 2001: Australia

Mike was interviewed by Alan Martin, live from Australia. See the interview on www.epress.ca.

Friday, March 23, 2001: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

7:40 a.m. EST: Catch Mike and the Team on CBC Morning (Channel 26)

2:00 p.m. PST Halifax, Nova Scotia: The Team will tour the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre followed by a reception with government and local dignitaries, as well as the media.

The 'Round the World Challenge
Shifts Into Drive on March 20, 2001!

Please join us on March 20, 2001 for the much-anticipated kick-off of Mike Nemesvary's 'Round the World Challenge.

Paralyzed at the age of 24, Mike Nemesvary, a former World Cup champion freestyle skier, is on a mission to become the first quadriplegic to drive around the World.

The 'Round the World Challenge Kick-off event will be held outside on Parliament Hill (Ottawa, Canada) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 20, 2001. This special Kick-off event is open to the public, and will feature special guest speakers and musical performances by the J.S. Woodsworth High School band.

The program includes:

Welcome and Introduction	Peter Van Dusen News Anchor, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Special Guest Speaker	Marlene Catterall Member of Parliament, Ottawa West--Nepean
Special Guest Speaker	Don Sancton Director of Corporate Affairs, Pfizer Canada
Remarks	Mike Nemesvary, Driver and President of 'Round the World Challenge
Closing Remarks	Francois Belisle CEO, Canadian Paraplegic Association

At the stroke of 12:00 noon from the Peace Tower, Mike Nemesvary will "shift his one-of-a-kind vehicle into drive" and depart for the journey of a lifetime - 'Round the World! This 40,000 kilometer odyssey will take Mike and his team through 16 countries with the goal of raising awareness and $10 million for spinal cord rehabilitation and research.

Please show your support and pride in the efforts of Ottawa's own Mike Nemesvary. Join us on March 20 to cheer him on, as the dream becomes a reality and he departs from his hometown on a journey destined for the history books.

For more information, call Unconventional Planning at (613) 721-7061.