Canadian Curling Legend Kerry Burtnyk To Speak At Never Alone Luncheon
Published on April 1, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - The Never Alone Foundation will be holding its 4th annual Luncheon Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at Canad Inns Polo Park (1405 St. Matthews Avenue). Two-time Canadian curling champion, former world curling champion and cancer survivor Kerry Burtnyk will be speaking at the luncheon.
Burtnyk, who survived a battle with a rare form of scalp cancer, will be on hand to tell his courageous story of two separate bouts, the last being nearly seven and a half years ago.
"It is an honour to be the guest speaker at this year's Never Alone Luncheon. It's a great opportunity to continue the fight against cancer," said Burtnyk.
"Organizations like the Never Alone Foundation are crucial in the continuing battle against cancer. It's very important for people fighting this disease to understand that they aren't the only ones."
A Manitoba resident, Burtnyk won the 1981 Brier as the youngest skip in history. He won his second in 1995, following that up with a world championship the same year. Most recently, Burtnyk represented Manitoba at the Tim Horton's Brier last year in Winnipeg. His passion to overcome the cancer and compete in curling on a national stage once again is truly inspiring.
"In 2008 I was able to reach the national stage and play in the Tim Horton's Brier 10 years after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (Dermato Fibrosarcoma Protuberans). This proves that anyone diagnosed with cancer should never give up," said Burtnyk.
Lyle Bauer, the founder of the Never Alone Foundation, is excited to have Kerry speak at this year's luncheon. "Kerry brings a perspective which I am sure everyone will enjoy," said Bauer.
The luncheon will also feature the presentation of the 2009 Difference Maker Awards, which recognize contributions to the fight against cancer in four categories. The 2009 recipients are Manitoba Blue Cross in the Corporate Category, Phoenix School in the Community Category, Catherine Alleyn-Dornn, Mitch Grant, Margot Plews, Chris Wood of Prairie Oyster Adventure Racing Team in the Individual Category, Doreen Osland in the Volunteer Category. Also, the Todd Davison Memorial Scholarship will be presented to a high school student who has overcome personal challenges and demonstrates a hard-working, diligent approach to athletics and displays strong leadership and is respected by his or her peers.
The Never Alone Foundation was launched in February of 2005 during the CFL Coach of the Year Award Luncheon in Winnipeg.
The foundation spearheads several fund-raising initiatives including the Never Alone Luncheon and the Never Alone Social.
Tickets for the Never Alone Luncheon on April 8, 2009 are $85 each while corporate tables are available for $850. Tickets can be ordered by calling (204) 784-2583, ext. 588 or by e-mailing a request to cfossay@bluebombers.com.
Canadian Football League Stories from April 1, 2009
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- Lions sign veteran safety Barron Miles to extension - B.C. Lions
- Canadian Curling Legend Kerry Burtnyk To Speak At Never Alone Luncheon - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
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