Press Releases

Canadian Paralympic Committee and BC Egg Marketing Board EGGS Program concludes educational outreach on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

15 April 2010
Vancouver, B.C. (April 15, 2010) – The Eggs Go for Gold School (EGGS) Program  concluded its tour today with BC Paralympian Andrea Holmes sharing a breakfast, made with eggs donated from a local egg farmer, with over 180 students from Salt Spring Elementary and Gulf Island Secondary on Salt Spring Island. Yesterday, Andrea dined with students from Georgia Avenue Community School and John Barsby Secondary in Nanaimo.

The EGGS Program was created through a partnership between the British Columbia Egg Marketing Board (BCEMB) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC). The tour launched in Abbotsford, BC, last October at Mt. Lehman Elementary. Partnering with Project CHEF in Vancouver and the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation on Vancouver Island allowed the EGGS Program to visit four additional schools to teach students how good nutrition fuels a healthy, active lifestyle.

“The EGGS Program created a fun opportunity to educate children on the importance of eating healthy and staying active,” said Ms. Holmes. “Not only are BC eggs a simple energy source for athletes, but they are also a natural choice for good nutrition for families across British Columbia.”  

As well as providing children the opportunity to hear Andrea’s story and the importance of nutrition and activity in her life, the tour incorporated interactive cooking demonstrations. Students, teachers and parents were introduced to fun and delicious ways of cooking with eggs. Breakfast was served at many of the events, giving children the chance to taste the food they had seen prepared. 

“BC egg farmers are very proud to have been able to work with the Canadian Paralympic Committee to build awareness and support the success of Canada’s Paralympic athletes,” said Richard King, BCEMB Chair. “Andrea is a natural with children. By bringing the story of Paralympic sport to BC schools, the EGGS Program has inspired students to want to be champions and to make the right nutrition choices that will help them to succeed.”

Ms. Holmes is a decorated Paralympic athlete who finished eighth in long jump at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, and was four-time Canadian Paralympic champion in long jump and three-time Canadian champion in the 100 metre. Ms. Holmes’ inspiring story draws attention to the importance of good nutrition fueling a healthy lifestyle.