UPCOMING: Olympic speed skater Cindy Klassen to take part in Ontario events



Waterloo and Kitchener, Ont.

Cindy Klassen, Canadian speed skater, Olympic and world champion, is scheduled to participate in Mennonite-sponsored events in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. region.

On Oct. 4, 2014, Klassen will join “Team MCC” on the bike-a-thon known as Ride for Refuge. This annual fall fundraiser has raised thousands of dollars to support the work of Mennonite Central Committee Ontario’s (MCCO).

A world-class athlete with roots in the Mennonite faith, Klassen seeks to support the work of MCCO in a variety of ways. Riders in support of MCCO at the Waterloo location will have exclusive VIP access to meet her, get a photo, and ride alongside her. She will also share words of faith and encouragement during the ride's opening ceremonies. The Waterloo location organizers anticipate around 1,200 riders.

In the evening Klassen will be the featured guest in a panel discussion organized by Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, through its Sports, Faith, and Leadership Task Group. The panel will explore the challenges and benefits of balancing faith and sport in the lives of athletes, families and faith communities. She will share her personal journey and engage with leaders in the community, including a local Mennonite pastor, a coach from the University of Waterloo, and a former NHL player who is now a successful local business man.

The evening event will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Forbes Hall, at the Manulife Financial Sportsplex, RIM Park, 2001 University Ave. E., Waterloo. There is no charge for admission.

From reports by Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and Mennonite Central Committee Ontario

—Posted Oct. 2, 2015



Leave a Reply