29 August 2001

MEDIA ADVISORY

Sport, Media, Business and Political Leaders Greet International
Spinal Cord Injury Fundraiser

As the culmination of almost three years of planning and over 30,000-kilometres travel, Canadian quadriplegic Mike Nemesvary will pass under the international Peace Arch south of Vancouver, BC on Tuesday, September 4, 2001, marking the return of the 18-country ‘Round the World Challenge to Canada. A number of public activities are planned during his four-and-a-half day stopover, part of an international fundraising drive for a cure and care for spinal cord injuries.

WHAT: Spinal Cord Injury Fundraiser Returns to Canada

WHERE/WHEN: Vancouver, BC (See details below)

WHO: Mike Nemesvary, Canadian quadriplegic, former World Cup Freestyle skiing champion and movie stuntman

NOTE: Media requests for interviews are now being booked.

Tuesday, September 4

9 am - Peace Arch, Canada-US Border

At the Peace Arch, the former World Cup freestyle skiing champion and movie stuntman will be greeted by John Ryan of the World Regeneration Tour and accident survivor Joe Spring, both of Vancouver. Prior to his departure in his specially equipped SUV for a public ceremony in front of the Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver, Nemesvary will briefly answer media questions and pose with his vehicle and members of his road team. Mike will park near the Peace Arch and, escorted by a Mountie dressed in red serge, will wheel through the Arch to be greeted by the official party.

12 noon - Public Rally, Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Mike Nemesvary will drive to a noon-hour rally to be held in his honour on the front lawn of the Vancouver Art Gallery, where he will be greeted by a host of celebrities, including Olympic medallist Steve Podborski, Spirit of Vancouver Chair Carole Taylor and Vancouver Councillor Sam Sullivan. Nemesvary will address supporters, including members of the Canadian and British Columbia Paraplegic Associations, donors and sponsors, and will be available for media interviews.

Wednesday, September 5

7:30 am – Fundraising Breakfast, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver

Mike Nemesvary will share his personal story of courage and determination at a special fundraising breakfast hosted by the Vancouver Board of Trade of Trade. The event is sponsored by ‘Round the World’s global sponsor, Pfizer Inc. Tickets are available through the Vancouver Board of Trade (604-681-2111) and at the door.

6:30 pm – Bridging the Gap Demonstration, West End Community Centre, 870 Denman St.

Wheelchair sports demonstration

Thursday, September 6

10 am – Tour of the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, 4255 Laurel Street, Vancouver

4 to 6 pm – UBC Lecture, University of British Columbia

Mike Nemesvary will address university students enrolled in a program studying leisure of persons with disability.

Friday, September 7

10 am – Trail Hike with Vancouver Councillor Sam Sullivan, Pacific Spirit Regional Park
(Parking lot Spanish Banks Beach, off N.W. Marine Dr.)

Vancouver City Councillor Sam Sullivan will lead Mike Nemesvary on a mountain hike. Both men are in wheelchairs.

For a detailed international itinerary, visit the ‘Round the World Challenge Web site (www.roundtheworldchallenge.org).

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Further information: