From now until July 27, 2012, Mississauga residents are invited to decorate a leaf to inspire Canada's athletes traveling to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England.

Everyone is encouraged to write a message, an expression, a word, a poem or create a drawing to cheer on Canadian athletes. Once the leaves are decorated, they will be displayed in all 18 Mississauga Libraries and at the Mississauga Sports Council located in the Sports Hall of Fame (Sports Complex-Hershey SportZone). After the leaves are displayed, they will be sent to Canadian athletes competing in London.

"We are proud of the incredible athletes we have headed to the 2012 Summer Olympics," said Susan Burt, director, Culture Division. "It gives us great pleasure to send them good wishes and inspiration from Mississauga residents."

Leaves can be downloaded from mississauga.ca/leafamessage. Once a leaf is decorated, a photo can be sent to social.culture@mississauga.ca or the original can be dropped off at any Mississauga Library location.

The Leaf a Message program is part of the City of Mississauga's 2012 Cultural Olympiad celebration. For more information, visit www.mississauga.ca/leafamessage.

About Culture Division
The Culture Division was created in 2007 to foster growth and sustainability of culture in Mississauga. Through its policy development, services, programs and partnership initiatives, the Culture Division plays an integral role in the growth of the City for the 21st Century by preserving, supporting and enhancing the artistic and historic fabric of Mississauga

As Canada's sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 738,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 63 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is "Leading Today for Tomorrow" by focussing on delivering services, implementing its Strategic Plan, delivering value for money and maintaining infrastructure.

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Media Contact:
Vivian Peets
Public Affairs Intern
City of Mississauga
905-615-3200 ext. 5821
vivian.peets@mississauga.ca
TTY: 905-896-5151