FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

100 percent participation in Terry Fox Marathon of Hope
14 September 2005, Belleville, Ontario—Excitement is building as final preparations are made to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. On Friday 16 September, more than 18,000 students, 1,700 employees and countless volunteers in 54 schools and all administrative offices across the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board will walk, jog or wheel to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. With a record 100 percent participation, this could be the largest simultaneous event in the history of the Board.

“The Board of Trustees learned about the Terry Fox National School Run Day earlier this year when Vice-Chair Pitman introduced it at a public Board meeting. The Board gave unanimous support to encourage participation by all students and employees,” explains Judy Edgar, Chair of the Board. “In addition to being a practical way to encourage physical activity, this event is a hands-on learning experience to teach children about citizenship and being caring, contributing members of society.”

The Terry Fox Foundation invites all schools across Canada to participate in the Terry Fox National School Run Day. It will be held at schools large and small from coast to coast. Events are scheduled at staggered times across the country so that everyone is participating in Terry Fox events at the same time.

“I am thrilled with the terrific response especially as the level of enthusiasm spreads from one site to another. It is exciting to see everyone come together to support such a worthy cause and be active at the same time,” remarks Nancy Popovich, curriculum co-ordinator and the event’s main organizer.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools serving 18,400 students, employing 1,070 teachers and 705 support staff. The Board covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south, and Quinte West to the west.

For information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613.966.1170 or 1.800.267.4350, ext. 2354