MONTREAL, Aug. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Mrs. Francine Senécal, Vice-president of the Montréal Executive Committee responsible for sports and leisure, today welcomed to city hall Indian-born Canadian athlete Ramesh Ferris, who began to handcycle across Canada to raise money and awareness for polio.
"Your determination and dedication are an inspiration to all of us. Your 7,200-kilometre journey across the country to meet Canadians is a reminder that a disease such as polio, which many believe has now been eradicated from the planet, still remains endemic in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Your presence in Montréal also reminds us that polio can still strike in Canada. I hope that Canadians all along your route will become aware of the cause you hold so close to your heart and give generously to Cycle to Walk," said Francine Senécal.
Ramesh Ferris was stricken with polio at a young age. He was adopted from India by a Canadian family living in the Yukon. In 2002, he visited his mother in India and witnessed the lack of help and devastating reality for polio victims. Upon his return to Canada, he created Cycle to Walk, to raise money to eradicate polio, educate people about continued immunizations and help rehabilitate polio victims in countries where national help is not enough.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit www. cycletowalk.com
For further information: Renée Pageau, Division des relations avec les médias, (514) 868-4580; Source: Bernard Larin, Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif, (514) 872-9998
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