“Being a champion is not just about winning,” says six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes, who is also an Officer of the Order of Canada, the spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk, and is involved in the international organization Right to Play. Believing that actions off the track define us as much as those on it, Clara inspires people toward success in all areas of their lives. Her candid, personal talks range from how she believes sports can change lives to her struggle with depression—fully embodying the idea that each of us can overcome challenges to become the champions we’re meant to be. We’re thrilled that an elementary school in Oshawa, Ontario, has been named after Clara.
The newly built Clara Hughes Public School will hold 23 classrooms as well as a child-care facility for preschoolers and toddlers. Clara visited the school in June 2014 during her 110-day national bicycle tour, Clara’s Big Ride for Bell Let’s Talk, where she travelled the country to build awareness of the stigma around mental illness.
The grand opening ceremony for the new school will be January 29.