NB 644
May 23, 2006
BATHURST (CNB) - The new $8.5-million elementary school being built in Bathurst will be the first in Atlantic Canada to be named for Canadian hero, Terry Fox. Education Minister Claude Williams made the announcement today.
The Terry Fox Elementary School (School District 15) is in the final stages of construction, with a scheduled opening date of September 2006.
"Terry Fox was an amazing person who captured the hearts of an entire nation with his selfless dream of running across Canada for cancer research," Williams said. "When people see the name Terry Fox on this school, I hope they will think about the remarkable individual who has given children and adults the inspiration to accomplish their goals and wishes."
Fox was 18 years old in 1977 when he was diagnosed with bone cancer, and had his right leg amputated. While in hospital, Fox was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients - many of them young children - that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
On April 12, 1980, he started his Marathon of Hope in Newfoundland. He averaged 42 kilometres per day, and Canadians were touched by his determination and courage. After 143 days and 5,373 kilometres, Fox was forced to stop his run on Sept. 1 in Thunder Bay, Ont., because cancer had spread to his lungs. He died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22. Since then, more than $400 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Fox's name through the annual Terry Fox Run, held across Canada and around the world.
"We were truly touched last year as we commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope to see 82 per cent of New Brunswick schools participate in the Terry Fox National School Run Day on Sept. 16," said Darrell Fox, national director of The Terry Fox Foundation. "Our family is equally moved that Terry's name will now grace the new elementary school in Bathurst. We express our sincere thanks to Minister Williams and the Bathurst community for this lasting tribute."
Terry Fox Elementary School, on Basin Road in Bathurst, will replace three existing, older schools, allowing for the consolidation of students into one new facility. The name was submitted to Williams from a joint meeting of parent-school support committees from the three closing schools.
"The name is fitting because of the profound impact Terry Fox has had on Canada's youth," said Micheal Mortlock, chairperson for District 15 Education Council. "There's not a student in our district who doesn't know who Terry Fox was and how he lived the values which we embrace. Terry Fox was kind and courageous, and he proved that one person can make a tremendous difference in this world. It is important to us that our students identify with such a great Canadian hero."
Terry Fox Elementary School will accommodate about 400 students in Kindergarten to Grade 5. There will be 18 classrooms, a resource centre and music room, as well as a gymnasium, cafeteria, and new outdoor playing fields.
06/05/23
MEDIA CONTACT: Jason Humphrey, communications, Education, 506-444-4714.
06/05/23