October 4, 2003 – At tomorrow's Hamilton Road World Championship's Opening Ceremonies, a special 7-year-old will be singing the national anthem. Neil Wadhvana will sing “O Canada” for the large crowd that kicks off this year's Road Worlds. Neil has been singing since he was just two-and-a-half years old, and as his mother says, “he started singing in the house and he said to me 'mom I just want to sing, I want to sing for others, and make people happy'.”

Many people will remember Neil from the Queen's last visit when the youngster approached her Majesty and told her to “call me anytime” if she needed anything. Since then he has been featured in the Toronto Star, The Globe, The Sun, and the National post for both his singing and his upbeat, positive approach to Canada and multiculturalism.

Minister of Heritage, Sheila Copps, heard about Neil and invited him to sing at the 2000 PM Rally in Hamilton to sing 'O Canada' and even hoisted him on her shoulders so all could see and hear his terrific voice. Since then, Neil has met or sang for Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Toronto Raptors' Vince Carter, former top sprinter Donovan Bailey, and many more. Tomorrow he will take the stage and sing at his first bike race. He's very excited to be involved in this year's Road Worlds. “I don't get nervous at all when I sing, I want to use the chance I have to get people excited, to make people happy about living in a multicultural society where everyone lives together and helps one another, I want to make them feel proud about Canada.”

The prospect of showing the visitors who have never seen this country makes Neil even more excited, “I want people to know what this country is about. I want them to feel what I feel.” It's clear none of the fame has gone to the young singer's head either, as he does not consider it fame, rather an opportunity, “When I sing, I only have one chance to tell the people what I feel, so I must make good use of it.” What do his friends think? “All of them are so happy, they are so excited!” he says, “Sometimes I sing for my friends, they always get so excited, I try to get happy and touch their hearts.” When he gets older, Neil hopes to be either a singer or a brain surgeon – or both! If you see Neil tomorrow be sure to say 'hi', because he loves to meet people from everywhere and he'll be sure to say 'hi' right back!