The mascot, inspired by a real-life feline, will promote a free online schools program sponsored by Petro-Canada called ‘It’s The Real Deal.’ The program, which includes downloadable fun and interactive activities, athlete interviews and photos for students in grades four to seven, aims to raise awareness of Paralympic sport and athletes with a physical disability.
Educators can participate in a teacher's-only discussion board, provide feedback about the program and submit their own student activities to share with fellow teachers.
The Petro-Canada Paralympic Schools Program, which was inaugurated in 2003, was recently updated to include more information about the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
“Podi has joined the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) to increase Canadian’s knowledge and understanding of the Paralympic Games and inspire people to follow our Canadian heroes all the way to the 2010 Games,” said Canadian Paralympic Committee President Carla Qualtrough. “We’re pleased that Petro-Canada shares the same vision of education through sport and we’re grateful for their support of the program.”
Podi was chosen as the mascot following a contest held last year for students through the “It’s the Real Deal” Paralympic Schools Program. The contest winner, Alexandria Tiffinger of Cole McKernan School in Edmonton, AB, based her entry on her three-legged cat, Mr. Morris. Mr Morris has won many awards, is featured in an amazing cat stories book and has made the most of life despite having had numerous surgeries. Tiffinger was in Vancouver today when Podi made his appearance.
Podi will also be making appearances at special events in the lead-up to the Beijing 2008 Summer Paralympic Games and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games, along with the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games mascot, but students can interact with Podi anytime via Facebook and Myspace.
“We have been fuelling dreams and supporting education through sport for 18 years and we’re excited to carry on this tradition by helping Canadians experience the Paralympic Games through the Petro-Canada Paralympic Schools Program,” said Petro-Canada ’s Director of Olympic and Community Partnerships, Steven Keith.The Petro-Canada Paralympic Schools Program can be downloaded, free of charge, from the CPC's website at www.paralympic.ca.
About Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is a non-profit, charitable, private organization that is recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). CPC delivers programs that strengthen the Paralympic Movement in Canada, including sending Canadian teams to the Paralympic Games. The CPC empowers persons with physical disabilities, through sport, at all levels. For more information please visit www.paralympic.ca.
About Petro-Canada
Petro-Canada is one of Canada's largest oil and gas companies, operating in both the upstream and the downstream sectors of the industry in Canada and internationally. The Company creates value by responsibly developing energy resources and providing world class petroleum products and services. Petro-Canada is proud to be a National Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PCA and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PCZ. For more information please visit www.petro-canada.ca
