OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 20, 2012) - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will attend the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony hosted by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC). The event will take place at the Air Canada Centre, in Toronto, on Friday, September 21, 2012, at 6:30 p.m.

At approximately 7:20 p.m., His Excellency will address our Canadian athletes and acknowledge their great performances at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games:

"As patron of the Canadian Olympic Committee, I had the privilege of cheering on our Canadian athletes as they competed in London. I was amazed by their determination, their courage and their perseverance. They each embody the give-your-everything Canadian spirit, and they have the admiration and gratitude of an entire nation. I look forward to addressing them at the Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony, where I will once again personally congratulate them on their successes," said His Excellency.

About the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony

The Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony is the COC's most prestigious annual event during which Olympic heroes are honoured and Olympic legends are inducted. The event also serves at the official 'Welcome Home' celebration for the Canadian Olympic Team following the Games. For more information, visit http://olympic.ca/.

About the COC

The COC leads the achievement of the Canadian Olympic Team's podium success and advances Olympic values in Canada. Independent and predominantly privately funded, the COC delivers resources that Canada's elite athletes need to perform at their best and to give their everything every day. The backbone of Canada's Olympic movement, the COC works with National Sport Federations to prepare the Team for the Olympic, Youth Olympic and Pan American Games. For more information, visit http://olympic.ca/canadian-olympic-committee.

Media wishing to attend the event must contact Jane Almeida from the Canadian Olympic Committee at jalmeida@olympic.ca before 5 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012.

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