Olympic Community Celebration London

Community pride & celebration
mark tribute to local athletes

Sporting red-and-white clothing to show their pride in Canada, thousands of London and area residents cheered the opening parade of Olympic and Paralympic athletes at the John Labatt Centre tribute Inspiring a Dream. This June 21 community event to honour 2008 and 2010 competition winners was hosted by Heather Hiscox of CBC News Network and Mike Stubbs of radio station CJBK-AM 1290. The action-packed evening included music from Orchestra London and the London Police Pipes and Drums, performances by opera singer Paul Gramboa and singer/songwriter Alan Frew, as well as a demonstration by the London Speed Skating club, a tribute to Gold medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir by the Ilderton Skating Club and the synchronized-skating of NEXXICE and Synchronicity.

Guests of honour who attended the community tribute to local athletes are seen in the photograph below. Absent are: Andrea Cole (Swimming); Annette Elisabeth (Goalball); Adam Kreek (Rowing); Adam Stern (Baseball); and Jessica Zelinka (Athletics).

Back row, left to right
David Duncan (Ski Cross); Corey Perry (Hockey); Drew Doughty (Hockey); Ashley Brzozowicz (Rowing); Christine Nesbitt (Speedskating); Joe Bartoch (Swimming); Darda Sales (Swimming); Joe Bartoch (Swimming); Tessa Virtue (Ice Dancing); Scott Moir (Ice Dancing); Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best; and, Adam Turpish (Boxing).

Front row, left to right
Lesley Thompson-Willie (Rowing); Adam Dukovich (Boccia); Tammy McLeod (Boccia); and David Willsie (Wheelchair Rugby).

Guests of honour at London's June 21 community tribute to its award winning atheletes

Performers

In addition to musical entertainment, the audience enjoyed skating performances by NEXXICE Senior Synchronized Skating Club, Synchronicity (the London Skating Club Intermediate Synchronized Skating Team).

Orchestra London under the direction of conductor Jeff Christmas

Opera singer Paul Grambo

Singer/songwriter
Alan Frew

Sponsors

The Inspiring a Dream celebration was amazing night of entertainment, community pride and fun. Joining the City of London in making this event possible was the sponsor support provided by Best Western Lamplighter, Labatt, Pacific and Western Bank, RBC Royal Bank, RONA and Siskind the Law Firm.