FOR RELEASE
CANUCKS, BC LIONS, WHITECAPS FC, AND CANADIANS JOIN FORCES FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM
Vancouver, B.C. - On Sunday, May 8, players, alumni and staff from the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions,
Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Vancouver Canadians will unite at BC Place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
for the 4th Annual Canucks Autism Network (CAN) Sports Day.
The event, hosted by the Canucks Autism Network (CAN), will welcome 250 children and teens with
autism to participate in sports activities led by professional athletes and mascots from Vancouver’s four
professional sports teams including:
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Daniel Sedin, Jared McCann and Dan Hamhuis -Vancouver Canucks players
Kirk McLean, Darcy Rota - Vancouver Canucks alumnus
T-Dre Player and Manny Arceneaux - BC Lions players
Russell Teibert and Paolo Tornaghi- Vancouver Whitecaps FC players
“We are thrilled that all four professional sports teams will come together once again in support of
individuals living with autism,” says Katy Harandi, CEO, Canucks Autism Network. “This event is an
amazing opportunity for these incredible children to feel accepted, safe and supported while
participating in sports activities alongside their sports heroes.”
“We are honoured to help these inspiring families embrace sport,” said Vancouver Canucks General
Manager, Jim Benning. “Making sports accessible to these courageous kids along with our friends from
the Whitecaps, Lions and Canadians creates experiences that will last a lifetime. We truly look forward
to CAN Sports Day every year.”
“The BC Lions Football Club is excited to be participating in the 4th Annual CAN Sports Day event, says
Jamie Taras, Director, Community Relations. “Every year so far has been an incredible success joining
forces with all four pro sports teams in the province for one fun-filled afternoon! This is a wonderful
opportunity for families and their children affected by autism to have a special experience along with
some of their favourite local sports personalities”.
“Vancouver Whitecaps FC are proud to be a part of CAN Sports Day for the fourth year in a row,” said
Whitecaps FC President Bob Lenarduzzi. “The ‘Caps strive to positively impact the lives of children and
youth in our community. This fantastic program brings together Vancouver’s professional sports teams
for a worthwhile cause, encouraging healthy lifestyles while bringing joy to these very deserving
families.”
“The Vancouver Canadians, and our Vancouver Canadians Baseball Foundation share CAN’s vision to
provide all children an inclusive and safe place to participate in sport and develop important life skills”
states Andy Dunn, President and Partner, Vancouver Canadians. “This unbelievable day connects all four
professional sports teams in Vancouver with one common goal: helping children realize their limitless
potential through team sports.”
Media are invited to attend at 2:30 p.m. PT and enter through the East gate entrance. Opening
ceremonies will take place at 2:00 p.m. PT followed by a group photo prior to the start of the sports
activities. CAN CEO, Katy Harandi, and select families living with autism will be available for interviews
between 2:00 p.m. PT and 4:00 p.m. PT.
PLEASE NOTE: Team representatives and players will be available for interviews at 2:30 p.m.
What: 4th Annual CAN Sports Day
When: Sunday, May 8, 2016
Where: BC Place has generously donated the use of their venue for this event.
When: Player interviews 2:30 p.m.
Media Contact:
Lindsay Petrie
Marketing & Communications Manager
Canucks Autism Network
[email protected]
M: 604.788.8565
ABOUT THE CANUCKS AUTISM NETWORK (CAN)
The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality,
adaptive sports, recreational, social and arts programs for individuals and families living with autism
while increasing awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.
For more information, please visit www.canucksautism.ca.