Dr. Roberta Bondar to be Featured Speaker for 2007 U-19 Women’s World Lacrosse Championships Opening Ceremonies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Invited to Attend Opening Ceremonies on
Friday, August 3 at Trent University

Tuesday, July 31, 2007, Peterborough

Trent University Chancellor Dr. Roberta Bondar will be the keynote speaker during the 2007 Under-19 Women’s World Lacrosse Championships, taking place on the Bata Library podium at Trent University on Friday, August 3, 2007 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

“We are very pleased that a woman of Dr. Bondar’s international stature will be addressing the athletes,” said Cheryl Quinn-MacNeill, co-chair of the Women’s World Lacrosse Championships executive committee, and participant in the opening ceremonies. “Her ability to inspire others to achieve their dreams will set the perfect tone for the games.”

Dr. Roberta Bondar is the world’s first neurologist in space and Canada’s first female astronaut. Dr. Bondar is also an accomplished photographer, and is a passionate advocate of issues relating to the environment and higher education. She has been awarded the Order of Canada, received the NASA Space Medal, is a Laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, and has been awarded 24 honorary degrees from universities across North America. Dr. Roberta Bondar was installed as Chancellor of Trent University in 2003, and is currently in her second term.

The opening ceremonies will be emceed by Trent University President Bonnie Patterson. In addition to Dr. Bondar, Fiona Clark, president of the International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations, and representatives from all three levels of government will be presenting during the ceremonies.

Peterborough M.P. Dean Del Mastro expressed his enthusiasm that this international sporting event will showcase both Peterborough and Trent to the world. "I'm delighted that the Lacrosse Championships are the first major event to be hosted in Trent's new stadium, a valuable community resource enabling this and other major events to take place in this riding," he said.

“This is a hugely significant event in Peterborough sport history,” stated Jeff Leal, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment and M.P.P. for Peterborough. “To be hosting the World Women’s U-19 Field Lacrosse Championships is a once in a lifetime event. I want to congratulate the players from all the teams. I am very confident that Peterborough will be a gracious and very hospitable host.”

Peterborough Mayor Paul Ayotte noted how this event reflects the positive benefits Trent’s new athletic facilities are bringing to the city. "We are incredibly excited to be the host city for this world class event. Trent's stadium field is having a tremendous impact on our community and it is an ideal venue for the Under 19 Women's World Lacrosse Championships. I applaud the event organizers and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the games."

The 2007 U-19 Women’s World Lacrosse Championships will be held at Trent University from August 4 to 12, 2007. More than 300 athletes from 11 countries will be participating in the international tournament, including a First Nations team representing the Haudenosaunee people. These championships will mark the first time a world-level sporting event has ever been hosted in Peterborough, and the first time a women’s international-level lacrosse championship has ever been hosted in Canada. An additional 800 athletes will be participating in the Ontario U-17 Women’s Lacrosse Festival and the Ontario U-15 Women’s Lacrosse Provincial Finals at Beavermead Park.

In case of rain, the opening ceremonies will take place in the gymnasium located in the Athletics Complex at Trent University. Pay and display parking is available on campus in the visitor lots by Champlain College on West Bank Drive.

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For further information, please contact Brittany Cadence at (705) 748-1011, ext. 6185