Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
November 07, 2000
Olympic youth camp coming to Guelph if Toronto gets bid
An International Youth Camp that will attract more than 400 teens from 180 countries will be held at the University of Guelph if Toronto wins the bid for the 2008 Olympic Summer Games, it was announced today.
"The youth camps are held in conjunction with each Olympic games and are designed to capture the spirit of Olympism," said David Crombie, Chair of the 2008 Olympic Bid Board of Directors. "We congratulate Guelph and Peterborough, and know that they will be great hosts for these wonderful camps. These are not athletic training camps, rather, they are designed to promote cultural exchange and heighten awareness and the deployment of Olympic ideals. These include building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through the spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play."
Each country's National Olympic Committee will be invited to send two youths between 16 and 19 years of age to the four-week camp, which will include educational workshops and programs on topics such as diversity, leadership, community building, culture and the environment. Camp participants will be selected based on each committee's own criteria. Participants spend two weeks at a camp in an urban setting and two weeks in a wilderness-focused environment. Guelph competed against five other Ontario cities for the right to host the camp, and was selected to serve as the urban camp site. The second half of the camp will be held in Peterborough.
"The University of Guelph is delighted that it will play a significant role in helping provide young people from around the world with an unparalleled learning opportunity," said Nancy Sullivan, vice-president (finance and administration). Youths will reside in Guelph campus residences during the camp, which will be held during the first two weeks of the Olympic Games, and attend workshops and programs in University classrooms and facilities. The University's Office of Open Learning will oversee the educational programs. Camp participants will also attend the Opening Ceremonies and other official Olympic functions and events. "Our hope is that this camp will help motivate youth world-wide to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives," Sullivan said.
Mayor Joe Young added "This camp will transcend language barriers, promote cultural exchange and culminate in eternal friendships and cherished memories. We are thrilled that city of Guelph is part of this dynamic adventure."
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, 824-4120, Ext. 3338.
