Canadian Olympic Committee Mourns James Worrall

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TORONTO, October 9, 2011 – The Canadian Olympic Committee is deeply saddened by the loss of its good friend and Olympic movement builder James Worrall.

Mr. Worrall, 97, passed away today at Sunnybrook Hospital with his wife Birgitte and his children, Anna Jane, Brian, Brenda and Ingrid, at his side.

"The Canadian Olympic Movement has lost one of its greatest supporters today," said COC President Marcel Aubut. "He dedicated his life to sport, first as a- world-class athlete and then as a leader and builder. His spirit will be with our athletes at the Pan American Games next week."

Mr. Worrall was Canada’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the 1936 Olympic Games, competing as a hurdler. He would later become President of the then-Canadian Olympic Association, as well as a long-time member of the IOC. A dedicated sport executive, Mr. Worrall was on the Board of Directors of the Organizing Committees of Canada's first two times hosting the Games: Montreal 1976 and Calgary 1988. He was also an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Member of three Sports Halls of Fame.

The Canadian Olympic Committee will work with Mr. Worrall’s family to organize an event to commemorate his legacy.

About the Canadian Olympic Committee

The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic, Youth Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For news and information, visit the COC website at www.olympic.ca and find the team on both Facebook (Canadian Olympic Team) and Twitter (@CDNOlympicTeam).

For more information, contact Dimitri Soudas at (416) 324-4136

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