SASKATCHEWAN OLYMPIANS RECOGNIZED

Released on June 3, 2002

The Province of Saskatchewan today recognized 20 citizens who participated

in the 2002 Winter Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics.



The Winter Olympians are:



Hayley Wickenheiser, member of the Gold Medal Women's Hockey Team;

Colleen Sostorics, member of the Gold Medal Women's Hockey Team;

Dana Antal, member of the Gold Medal Women's Hockey Team;

Wally Kozak, Assistant Coach of the Gold Medal Women's Hockey Team;

Catriona Le May Doan, Gold Medal in Women's Speed Skating for the 500 metre

track;

Mark Knoll, competitor in long track Men's Speed Skating;

Don Walchuk, member of the Silver Medal Men's Curling Team;

Ken Tralnberg, member of the Silver Medal Men's Curling Team;

Gene Friesen, coach of the Women's Curling Team;

Al Bodnarchuk, member of the Health Care Team;

Wendy Epp, member of the Health Care Team;

Mavis Wahl, member of the Health Care Team;

Kelly Dearborn, member of the Mission Staff for Team Canada;

Benoit Morin, member of the Mission Staff for Team Canada;

Reid Morrison, member of the Mission Staff for Team Canada; and

Shelley Coolidge, member of the Staging Team.



The Paralympians are:



Collete Bourgonje, competitor in cross country skiing; and

Jeff Whiting, Team Manager for the Nordic Team.



The Special Olympians are:



Adam Hyggen, cross country skiing, Gold Medal in 500 metres and Silver

Medal in the 1 kilometre relay; and

Kelly McRuvie, speed skating, Gold Medal in the 1000 metre, Gold Medal in

the 777 metre and Silver Medal in the 500 metre.



The Olympians were introduced by their MLAs in the Legislative Chamber.



The premier presented gifts to each Olympian and the speaker hosted a tea

at the Legislature. In the evening, the premier hosted a dinner for the

Olympians at the Hotel Saskatchewan.





Four other Saskatchewan Olympians were recognized but unable to attend

events:



Theoren Fluery, member of the Gold Medal Men's Hockey Team;

Kelly Bechard, member of the Gold Medal Women's Hockey Team;

Deidra Dionne, Bronze Medal in Aerial Freestyle Skiing; and

Kaspar Wirz, Head Coach, Nordic Team, Paralympics.



The premier also recognized Murray Linthicum for his Gold Medal in team

roping at the Olympic Command Performance Rodeo, a cultural demonstration

event at the Salt Lake City Olympics.



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For more information, contact:



Gwen Jacobson

Protocol Office

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-3001