Skip to main content
News release

Concordia University to award Loyola Medal to Clara Hughes

Olympic great recognized for her enduring sports career and advocacy work

Version française

Montréal, March 20, 2014 – On March 27, Concordia University will present the 2014 Loyola Medal, one of its highest honours, to Clara Hughes, O.C, O.M., at a special luncheon. Hughes is a six-time Olympic medalist in cycling and speed skating and the only athlete in Olympic history to win multiple medals in both the Summer and Winter Games. She is also known for her role as the national spokesperson for the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative.

Today, Hughes continues to be an inspiration for young people involved in sports through the programs she supports. She also spends much of her time speaking openly about struggling with mental illness and, as the spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk, encourages Canadians to join her in the conversation to help end the stigma of mental illness.

“I am truly honoured to receive the 2014 Loyola Medal from Concordia University,” says Clara. “Helping to give young people, both internationally and here in Canada, the opportunity to reach their potential through sport is such a rewarding experience for me. I’ve met so many inspiring young people in the first week of my journey around Canada, young people who have overcome their own obstacles and are sharing their stories to help others achieve their goals. I’m eager to continue the conversation about mental health in Quebec.”

On March 14, Clara began Clara's Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk, a 12,000 kilometre 110-day bicycle journey to help create a stigma-free Canada. Clara will arrive in Montréal on March 26 and will spend the following nine days cycling around Quebec sharing her story and increasing awareness about mental health.

“Clara Hughes has shown outstanding courage and determination in her pursuit of excellence as an athlete,” says Alan Shepard, president of Concordia. “But Hughes has also demonstrated her remarkable spirit through her tireless commitment to improving the lives of amateur athletes and those struggling with mental illness.”

“We are so proud of Clara for her exceptional achievements as an athlete, for her leadership inspiring young people and for her unwavering commitment to helping build a Canada free of the stigma of mental illness,” says Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk.

The Loyola medal was conceived in 1961 by the Loyola Alumni Association and the administration of Loyola College, one of Concordia’s founding institutions, as a tribute to outstanding leadership and contribution to society.

Hughes joins a distinguished group of past recipient that includes Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar (2009), Senator and LtGen Roméo Dallaire (ret) (2006), the late Oscar Peterson (1997), and the late Governor General of Canada, Georges P. Vanier (1963).

The 2014 Loyola Medal will be presented to Clara Hughes at noon on Thursday, March 27, at the Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal.

Please note: Access to the luncheon is by invitation only but journalists and photographers are welcome. Members of the media wishing to attend or arrange an interview with Hughes should contact: Fiona.Downey@Concordia.ca.


Source

Fiona Downey
Fiona Downey
Public Affairs
514-848-2424, ext. 2518
Fiona.Downey@concordia.ca
@fiodow



Back to top

© Concordia University