February 10, 2005

SURREY – Olympic gold medalist Daniel Igali will seek the BC Liberal Nomination in the riding of Surrey-Newton for the upcoming provincial election.

“As a ten-year Surrey resident, I believe I can provide the leadership to represent and work for the citizens of our growing community in Surrey-Newton,” said Igali. “Premier Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberal government have done a great job of creating new opportunities for people by building BC’s economy into the most vibrant in the country. I want to be part of that team and help take British Columbia to an even higher level.”

Igali, a wrestling gold medallist at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and a graduate of Simon Fraser University, is currently president of the Igali Foundation Inc., a not-for-profit foundation that helps underprivileged children all over the world. The Foundation recently achieved its goal of breaking ground on a new school and community centre in Igali's home village of Eniwari, Nigeria.

"Great things are happening in our community and in our province. I am excited about this government's dedication to growing our economy, creating more opportunities for all people, and increasing funding to our health care, educational programs, and community safety," said Igali. "I am excited about this government's commitment to physical fitness and healthy living."

Igali pointed out that the new Surrey campus of Simon Fraser University has been a big boost for Surrey residents, and he is passionate about the potential it brings to the community.  “I was very fortunate to get a university education and to go to school in British Columbia,” said Igali. “The BC Liberal government has provided a tremendous new opportunity to get an education in Surrey with the new SFU Surrey campus – so that students don't have to travel as far to earn their university degree.”

With the election little more than three months away, Igali is excited about the upcoming campaign.  “We can achieve a lot in the next few years,” said Igali. “I’m looking forward to being a member of the BC Liberal Team, and being part of an exciting new BC Liberal government led by Premier Gordon Campbell.”