Media Release Embargo Date: Jun. 7, 2016 Jun. 3, 2016

CATCH THE OLYMPIANS BEFORE RIO

(TORONTO, JUN. 10, 2016) – Athletics Ontario is excited to host some of Ontario’s best Track and Field athletes this weekend, June 11-12 at the Integrated Senior Championships and Prep Meet hosted at the Pan Am Stadium at York University. A critical points event for all Olympic bound athletes, as this is one of the final home soil competitions before stepping onto the world stage at the Rio Olympics in the weeks to come.

“The Senior Championships is the last time these athletes will compete in Ontario before leaving for Worlds and the [Rio] Olympics,” said Katie Ozolins, Executive Director of Athletics Ontario. “This event allows athletes that are tracking towards the high- performance stream the opportunity to compete against some of Canada’s best.”

Canadian Decathlete, Damian Warner will be competing in Javelin. Warner is looking to continue his monumentous success after completing a Personal Best in the 100 meters sprints at the 2016 Hypo Meet in Gortzis, Austria.

After an amazing finish at Pan Am Games, Nikkita Holder will look to add to her bronze medal in the 100 meters hurdles during the Senior Championship and Prep Meet. With the hopes of making her second Olympic debut, anticipate a strong performance from Holder in preparation for the Canadian Championship and Rio Selection Trials in early July.

During this years’ Senior Championships, Athletics Ontario will be conducting a classification evaluation by a member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee in an effort to provide all Para- Athletes the opportunity to obtain or update their classification.

-30- CONTACT: Brittany Durdin Media Relations and Communications Lead Athletics Ontario E: [email protected] C: 289-969-8229 Media Alert Embargo Date: Jun. 7, 2016 Jun. 3, 2016

CATCH THE OLYMPIANS BEFORE RIO

(TORONTO, JUN. 10, 2016) – Athletics Ontario is excited to host some of Ontario’s best Track and Field athletes this weekend, June 11-12 at the Integrated Senior Championships and Prep Meet hosted at the Pan Am Stadium at York University.

WHO: Athletics Ontario hosting outdoor Senior Championships and Prep Meet [Open for Midget to Junior age groups].

WHAT: Track and Field event featuring several Olympic bound athletes, including 100 meter hurdler, Nikkita Holder and Canadian Decathlete Damian Warner

WHEN: June 11-12, 2016 from 9A.M. – 5P.M.

WHERE: Pan Am Stadium, York University.

-30- CONTACT: Brittany Durdin Media Relations and Communications Lead Athletics Ontario E: [email protected] C: 289-969-8229

Info Sheet

• Senior Championships and] Prep Meet provides athletes with the opportunity for high-performance athletes to have high-quality competition before taking the international stage at the 2016 Rio Olympics. • Many high profile Olympians will be in attendance as a preparation for the Canadian Championship and the Rio Selection trials set to take place July 7-10, 2016 in Edmonton, Alberta. • Athletics Ontario will be providing Para-Athletes the opportunity to obtain or update their classification. • Classification breaks down a Para-Athletes abilities and helps level the playing field to ensure fairness based on their physical or mental disabilities. • For a majority of athletes this meet will help prepare them for both the IAAF U20 World Championships and the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC). • Selection for both teams will occur just after the Sr. Championships.

Background Information

Athletics Ontario (AO) is the Provincial sport governing body for Athletics (Road Run, X- Country, Track & Field, Walk Race). Established in 1977, Athletics Ontario provides support to athletes in all stages of the Long Term Athlete Development model, which looks to provide inclusive programming and events focusing on developing and retaining life-long athletes.

Athletics Ontario helps identify and support high-performance athletes by providing access to funding, coaches and support all facets in their pursuit of excellence.

For more information and details regarding all programs and services offered by Athletics Ontario please visit athleticsontario.ca/about-us/ .

ATHLETE BIOGRAPHIES

DAMIAN WARNER Learn more about Damian Warner As a current member of the Canadian Olympic team, Damian Warner competes in the Decathlon. A two-day event consisting of the 100 meter sprints, 400 meter dash, 110 meter hurdles, 1500 meter run, shot put, discus, javelin, pole vault, long jump and high jump. After setting a new Canadian record and coming off an Pan AM gold, Warner will compete in Javelin at this years Sr. Championships before heading off to the 2016 Rio Olympics in eight short weeks.

NIKKITA HOLDER Learn more about Nikkita Holder Nikkita Holder will compete in the 100M hurdles. As a two time Olympic hopeful, Holder is coming off a great season finishing third at the Pan Am Games last summer in her home town of Toronto. BRITTANY CREW Learn more about Brittany Crew After setting and then resetting the U24 Ontario Women’s shot put record at this years’ Tuscan Elite Classic, Crew will look to gain on her growing success. With NACAC in her sights, she will once again look to represent Canada on the International stage.

WES VICK Learn more about Wes Vick Paralympic hopeful and distance competitor, Wes Vick will look to make his Olympic debut at Rio in the weeks to come. After a stellar performance at the Pan Am Games last year, Vick has set his sights on becoming the next member of Canada’s Paralympic team. Vick competes in both the 400 meter and 800 meter event.