CN Tower, Niagara Falls illuminated purple; supporting Paralympics, WeThe15

The CN Tower is pictured in Toronto (Colin Perkel/CP).

The CN Tower in Toronto, along with Niagara Falls, will be illuminated purple on Thursday to support the launch of WeThe15, a global human rights movement representing the world's 1.2 billion persons with disabilities.

Launched prior to the start of the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, WeThe15's goal is to end discrimination towards persons with disabilities. International organizations from the world of sport, including the Canadian Paralympic Committee, will collaborate with governments and businesses to address the inequities the disability community faces on a daily basis, making up 15 per cent of the world's population.

“Canada has been a leader in creating safe and welcoming spaces, and recognizing the importance of equal opportunities for persons of all abilities is a strong message to create a more inclusive society worldwide," said Martin Richard, executive director, Communications and Brand, Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Canada's two iconic landmarks will join others around the world in shining purple, the colour globally accepted to symbolize disability. This includes Tokyo's Skytree, the London Eye, and the Colosseum in Rome. Beyond the purple light-up, WeThe15 created a 90-second video, celebrating persons with disabilities. This campaign film will be broadcasted on TV channels and social media platforms around the world, hoping to reach at least half a billion people by the end of September.

The 2020 Paralympic Games get underway on Aug. 24 and conclude on Sept. 5. Canada is sending 128 athletes to compete in the Paralympics; 55 are making their debut while 26 won medals in previous Paralympic Games.

For more information on WeThe15, please visit WeThe15.org or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

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