WATERLOO, Ont. (Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010) - Beckie Scott, the first North American woman to capture a cross-country skiing Olympic gold medal, will discuss the practice of clean sport among other topics during the University of Waterloo's Friends of the Library lecture and authors event next week.
A tireless advocate for drug-free sport, Scott was most recently involved in organizing the Vancouver Olympic Games. The three-time Olympian and former University of Waterloo student will give a talk, entitled Visions of Excellence: How the Strength of a Dream and the Power of a Team Took on the World. It will take place Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. in the Humanities Theatre, located in the J.G. Hagey Hall of the Humanities. The talk is free and open to the public.
In her lecture, Scott will provide a behind-the-scenes review of the Games, her involvement in the International Olympic Committee as well as her thoughts on clean sport.
"This year's lecture will be an opportunity for the campus community and interested members of the public to hear a first-hand account of the Olympic experience and organization behind the games," said Mark Haslett, university librarian. "Attendees will also have the opportunity to appreciate the creative works of 39 individuals from the University of Waterloo community that will be showcased at the event."
Scott, a member of the International Olympic Committee, was ranked among the world's elite cross-country skiers and sprint racers. As well, she is Canada's current representative on the World Anti-Doping Agency's athlete committee.
She won a gold medal for cross-country skiing at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games. She was also the nordic silver medallist at the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.
Throughout her career, Scott has been recognized for her charitable endeavours, and was honoured with the Governor General’s Meritorious service award. She is a UNICEF Canada special representative, co-chair of the Canadian Advisory Council for Right to Play, and has made several trips to Africa on behalf of these humanitarian organizations.
The annual public lecture and authors event, hosted by the university library, highlights accomplished individuals associated with Waterloo. On display will be books authored by faculty, staff and alumni. The public is welcome to attend.
About Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, located at the heart of Canada's Technology Triangle, is one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities. Waterloo is home to 30,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students who are dedicated to making the future better and brighter. Waterloo, known for the largest post- secondary co-operative education program in the world, supports enterprising partnerships in learning, research and discovery. For more information about Waterloo, visit www.uwaterloo.ca.
Contacts:
Mary Stanley, manager of library communications and development,
519-888-4567 ext. 36019
John Morris, UW media relations, 519-888-4435 or jmorris@uwaterloo.ca
Waterloo release no. 68
