TORONTO, August 24, 2000 -- At a press conference today at the York University Stadium, York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden, Director of Sport and Recreation Patricia Murray and Curtis Hibbert, Vice President of Sport and Athletes, Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid (TO-Bid) announced that York University would host water polo and soccer Olympic competitions if Toronto is selected to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Team 2008 members George Gross, Jr., former water polo Olympian, and Adam Sidky, member of the men's national water polo team, also participated, along with York University student athletes.

"Toronto 2008 is a youth- and athlete-driven bid, and this partnership with York University reinforces our commitment to building a lasting legacy for amateur sports," said Mr. Hibbert, a former Olympian and World Champion gymnast. "York will provide an ideal multi-sport venue, and showcase a world-class academic institution."

From her office in Ottawa, Hon. Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage stated, "York University boasts an excellent athletics program and facilities. Through partnerships like these, Toronto 2008 is working to ensure that all Canadians will have access to the Games and its legacy."

"York is a growing community of approximately 50,000 students, faculty, and staff -- including York students, coaches and alumni who are currently headed for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia," Dr. Lorna Marsden said. "We anticipate significant growth over the next decade and the expansion of our facilities, including our sports and recreational facilities, is essential. We are delighted that at the same time, we can work with Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid to advance our leadership role in sport development in the City of Toronto."

Plans for the sports venues include a 10-lane pool, 50 m by 25 m, located on the York University campus adjacent to the University's other athletic facilities. It would have seating for 5,000 spectators. The existing York University stadium, built in 1995, would be upgraded to seat 20,000 spectators for football (soccer).

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For more information, please contact:

Joslyn Higginson
GCI Group
(416) 486-7219
jhigginson@gcigroup.com

Debbie Low
Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid
(416) 603-2008, ext. 2229

Sine MacKinnon
Director, Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22087
YU/084/00