November 11, 2005 – Some of Canada’s most unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic legends came together on November 10th to make their debut as Team Visa mentors, and to officially kick-off the Team Visa 2006 program. Team Visa will help aspiring Olympians and Paralympians prepare for one of the greatest athletic challenges of their lives – representing Canada at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Team Visa Mentors

-Kurt Browning – Team Visa mentor, three-time Olympian, four-time Canadian Figure Skating Champion and four-time World Champion

-Nathalie Lambert – Team Visa mentor, three-time Olympic medallist in short track speed skating

-Ian Balfour – Team Visa mentor and three-time Paralympian and 2000 World Champion in alpine skiing

Team Visa Athletes

-Colette Bourgonje, Nordic Skiing & Wheelchair Track (Regina, SK)

-Jeffrey Buttle, Figure Skating (Barrie, ON)

-Deidra Dionne, Freestyle Skiing Aerials (Red Deer, AB)

-Brian McKeever, Nordic Skiing Paralympian (Canmore, AB)

Note: Team Visa members Jeff Christie (Luge), Danielle Goyette (Hockey) Clara Hughes (speed skating), and Emily Brydon (alpine skiing) are unable to attend due to training/competition schedules

Visa officially launched Team Visa 2006, and announced this year’s Team Visa mentors and athletes.

Team Visa mentors Kurt Browning, Nathalie Lambert and Ian Balfour were on hand to share:

· how athletes were selected to be part of the team

· how they plan to assist and support Team Visa Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls

· how they plan to prepare these athletes physically and mentally on their road to the 2006 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games

· the highs and lows that mentors encountered during their own Olympic and Paralympic journeys