Olympians to speak at LU Jan. 30

Canadian Olympic medallists Alexandre Bilodeau and Joannie Rochette will present the Dr. Dan Andreae Distinguished Presidential Lecture Series on Living in Healthy Communities at Laurentian University Jan. 30.

Bilodeau, two-time Olympic gold medallist in freestyle skiing, and Rochette, six-time Canadian figure-skating champion and Olympic bronze medallist, will be speaking on “The Power of Motivation and Inspiration.”

Each will give individual remarks, reflecting on sources of motivation and inspiration in their personal lives and their athletic careers. Bilodeau and Rochette will also participate in a panel discussion with moderator Dr. Amanda Schweinbenz, head coach of the Laurentian University rowing team and coach co-ordinator for the Sudbury Rowing Club.

“We are thrilled to have these two extraordinary athletes on stage for the Dan Andreae Lecture this year,” said Laurentian University president and vice-chancellor Dominic Giroux.

“Canadians know Joannie and Alexandre as competitors who have dedicated themselves to excellence, and who have pushed past adversity in their respective careers. We at Laurentian share in the pride Canadians feel for these outstanding young people.”

Launched in 2012, the Dr. Dan Andreae Distinguished Presidential Lecture Series on Living in Healthy Communities brings speakers from a variety of disciplines to promote knowledge and awareness of the elements that comprise healthy communities.

Previous speakers have included physician and author Dr. Gabor Maté, and Dr. James Orbinski, the former international president of Doctors Without Borders and co-founder of Dignitas International.

Andreae is an eminent Canadian academic, a professor at the University of Guelph-Humber and adjunct associate professor at Renison University College, University of Waterloo.

The event will be held Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Laurentian University’s Fraser Auditorium. Tickets are free, but seating is limited and places must be reserved at laurentian.ca/lecture.