Special Olympics PEI is delighted to announce that Ottawa Senator’s Defenseman, Dion Phaneuf and TV Personality and former host of Canada AM, Jeff Hutcheson, will be celebrity guests at the 2017 Special Olympics Festival. Also announced today is the return of Paul Phillips (Summerside) as co-host for the event.
Dion Phaneuf was drafted 9th overall in the 2003 NHL entry draft. Having previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he served as Team Captain, and the Calgary Flames, Phaneuf now plays for the Ottawa Senators. Phaneuf is a three-time NHL All-Star. On the international stage, Phaneuf has been a member of Team Canada five times winning silver at the 2004 World Juniors, gold at the 2005 World Juniors, and gold at the 2007 Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships.
Jeff Hutcheson, joining the Festival for the first time, has enjoyed a successful 40 year TV career, having spent 24 years on Canada AM. He has broadcasted from over 300 Canadian cities, towns, and villages. Hutcheson broadcasted from both the 1988 and 2010 Winter Olympics, authored “Best of Canada”, and hosted the travel show “Jeff’s Adventures”. He is currently retired and enjoying life in PEI as a Canada 150 Ambassador.
Charity Sheehan, Executive Director of Special Olympics PEI had this to say regarding the announcement: “We are thrilled to have Dion Phaneuf join again for his 10th year. Dion has been true friend of our movement on PEI and generous supporter of this event. We are in the process of confirming our celebrity line-up and excited to have Jeff Hutcheson join us for the first time. Jeff’s enthusiasm for community is a welcomed addition to our mission driven event.”
Today’s announcement is just the beginning of what is expected to be another exciting year of celebrity guests for the event. Further information on the Luncheon, and on the organization, can be found by visiting www.sopei.com.
The Special Olympics Festival is Special Olympics PEI’s largest annual fundraiser. Funds raised enrich the lives of Islanders with an intellectual disability through sport. Special Olympics PEI relies on these funds to offer grass roots programing, quality competitions, trained coaches, and much more for athletes of all ages and ability levels. The Festival is a two part event which includes the Summerside Luncheon (being held at the Credit Union Place) and the Enriching Lives Gala (in Charlottetown at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel). This year’s event is being held on Monday, June 26th.
Tickets for the Luncheon are $40 each, or $300 for a corporate table of 8, while tickets for the Gala are $110 each, or $880 for a corporate table of 8, and are available by calling Charity Sheehan at 902-368-8919.
