October 12, 2001

Global battle for a cure and care for spinal cord injuries arrives in Montreal

Whether injured by war or by accident, spinal cord injury victims are looking to research for answers on how to limit and reverse the effects of injury. Spearheading the campaign to raise awareness of spinal cord injury research, treatment and care is Canadian quadriplegic Mike Nemesvary. Nemesvary will shortly complete his mission to become the first quadriplegic to drive around the world unassisted.

During his Montreal stopover, October 15-17, 2001, Nemesvary will be greeted at a special ceremony at Montreal City Hall, visit clients and staff at the Centre Lucie Bruneau, address students and faculty at John Abbott College, and attend a $2,500 per couple fundraising cocktail reception at the Montreal Science Centre (Centre iSci).

The highlight of the Montreal visit will be a noon-hour fundraising rally at Complexe Desjardins on Tuesday, October 16 during which the public will have a chance to meet the three-time World Cup Freestyle skiing champion and some of his supporters including, among others, three-time Paralympic Games gold medallist Chantal Benoit.

Monday, October 15, 2001

11:00 to 11:30 am - Mayor's Welcome, Mayor's Office, City Hall, 275 Notre-Dame Street East, Montreal

Mayor Pierre Bourque will welcome the 'Round the World Challenge team, including Mike Nemesvary, who will sign the ceremonial Gold Book. A media availability will follow this event.

1:30 to 3:00 pm - Visit to Centre de réadaptation Lucie Bruneau, 2275 Laurier Avenue East, Montreal

Mike Nemesvary will work out in the Centre weight-training facility and visit with residents, clients and staff of one of Montreal's leading rehabilitation centres

Tuesday, October 16, 2001

11:30 am to 1:30 pm - Noon-hour Rally, Complexe Desjardins, 175 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, Montreal.

Three-time World Cup freestyle skiing champion and budding movie stuntman (James Bond's A View To A Kill) Mike Nemesvary will be joined by other athletes including Paralympic Games wheelchair basketball gold medallist Chantal Benoit and members of the Montreal Alouettes.

Wednesday, October 17, 2001

11:30 to 12:30 am - Mike Nemesvary will speak with students and faculty at CÉGEP John Abbott College, 21275 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue

5:00 to 7:00 pm - Fundraising Cocktail, Montreal Science Centre, Centre iSci, 333 Commune Street West (King Edward Pier, at the foot of St-Laurent Boulevard), Montreal

The 'Round the World Challenge team will be joined by donors, sponsors and other supporters during this $2,500 per couple fundraising event. Tickets: (514) 697-9111

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For a detailed international itinerary and backgrounder or to make a donation, visit the 'Round the World Challenge Web site (www.roundtheworldchallenge.org).

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