December 20, 2011 (Ottawa, ON) – The CCA is pleased to announce that the Mark Lowry Memorial Sport Excellence Fund has chosen its Para-cycling program to receive a donation for the 2012 competition season, including the Paralympic Games.

The Mark Lowry Memorial Sport Excellence Fund was established by his family as a tribute to Mark Lowry, the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Executive Director of Sport, who passed away on October 22, 2005. The goal is to continue Mark’s dedication to the Canadian Olympic movement by providing donations towards the development of key high-performance initiatives. Lowry’s wife Jennifer noted: “This exciting proposal is definitely something that Mark would be proud to be a part of and we look forward to hearing how everything is progressing.”

Funds will be used to purchase specific indoor training simulation equipment that will be used in the Para-cycling Training Centres in Bromont, Que. and Calgary, Alta by the para-cyclists who will also be able to use the equipment at their home training base as required. These simulators will provide athletes and coaches the necessary tools to monitor and sustain training over the off season when outdoor riding is not possible.

Jacques Landry, High Performance Director for the CCA was pleased with the selection for the donation: “We are able to provide more support to the Para-cycling program through this significant donation.”

The Canadian Cycling Association is indebted to the Lowry family for this consideration and the recognition of the emergence of the Para-cycling program in Canada.