J. GARDINER VS. B. RYAN 

FACE OFF CHALLENGE IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS 

PROVINCIAL FLOOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS! 

TORONTO -Defenceman Jake Gardiner of Toronto Maple Leafs and Right Wing Bobby Ryan of Ottawa Senators face off, challenging one another to raise funds for the Special Olympics Provincial Floor Hockey Championships being held in Ottawa, May 7-9.

Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) High 5 Ambassador, Jake Gardiner, and 2015 Floor Hockey Honourary Ambassador, Bobby Ryan, kick off the challenge neck and neck. Both athletes  are currently sitting at five thousand dollars each for the adopt an athlete program with the overall goal of reaching $50,000. These donations will help benefit athletes at the 2015 Provincial Floor Hockey Championships, May 7-9, at Carleton University in Ottawa. 

By joining in on the challenge, and giving generously, this will ensure that all 400 athletes are "adopted". Every athlete will have the opportunity to experience quality competition, and will strive to qualify for the National Winter Games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. 

Team Gardiner is proud to be a supporter and with 400 athletes in attendance, he takes on the challenge with the intent to win. " This cause changes lives, and by supporting my team to raise funds , I hope to adopt as many SOO athletes as I possibly can," said Gardiner. 
 

Team Ryan calls upon Ottawa for help. "Special Olympics uses the transformative power and joy of sport to reveal the full potential of athletes with intellectual disabilities," said Ryan. "They'll give their best and I know the people of Ottawa will get behind them 100 per cent." 

To join the challenge to adopt an athlete and pick your winning team, visit https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=170924 

2015 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Floor Hockey Championships

The Provincial Floor Hockey Championships held every four years, serve as a qualifier to compete at National Games. This prestigious event will take place May 7-9, 2015 at Carleton University. The Championships will involve 24 teams, 400 athletes, 72 coaches, and over 400 volunteers, parents, caregivers and supporters. For the first time, a junior (school-based) invitational tournament will be a part of the event.
  

For more information, visit www.specialolympics2015floorhockey.com/