With the theme of ‘Beijing 2008: One Dream, Becoming Better Together,’ a poster contest was announced yesterday in Ottawa.

The aim is to raise awareness among Canadian children about disabled athletes generally, and the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games specifically. The contest is open to students in grades four to eight, who are invited to design and mail posters to the Canadian Paralympic Committee by May 9. Submissions will be judged by a jury made up of members of the CPC and Petro-Canada.

Three winners will receive Team Canada sports togs, plus the honour of having their creations hang in Petro-Canada stations across Canada and in the Canadian athletes’ lounge in the Olympic Village in Beijing during the summer games (Sept. 6-17).

‘This poster contest will provide youth across the country with an opportunity to learn about our athletes, Paralympic sports and the inspiring stories behind the Paralympic dream – and then to put on their thinking caps and get drawing,’ says Canadian Paralympic chef de mission Debbie Low.

The contest is part of ‘It’s the Real Deal,’ a free online schools program co-sponsored by Petro-Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. It includes downloadable interactive activities, athlete interviews and photos for students.

Entry forms and more information are available at www.paralympiceducation.ca.