The Gala, which comes in a year in which the August's Parapan American Games in the Canadian city is arguably the biggest event on the Paralympic calendar, is held annually with the aim of providing a "beacon of hope" for Canadians living with disabilities.

It is organised by the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (CFPDP) of which David Onley, the person who the award to be handed to Sir Philip is named after, was a Board member as well as the first disabled Ontario Lieutenant Governor.

Sir Philip, the former wheelchair basketball player who was elected for a fourth Presidential term in 2013, will be recognised for his wide-ranging contributions for people with disabilities, it was explained.

"Sir Philip, a five-time Paralympian, is an exceptional example of why CFPDP is passionate about what we do," says Vim Kochhar, Gala Founder and Foundation chair.

"We are so honoured to welcome the IPC President as our guest of honour."

IPC President Sir Philip Craven pictured with Russia leader Vladimir Putin during the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympics ©Getty Images





Among other officials present at the Gala will be Ellis Jacob, President and chief executive of Cineplex Entertainment, and Anatol von Hahn, Scotiabank's Canadian Banking Group Head, while several Canadians who competed at last year's Sochi 2014 Paralympics are also expected to attend.

Entertainment will be provided by contemporary jazz singer Matt Dusk, considered one of Canada's best known male vocalists.

"The Foundation has consistently encouraged Canadians to look at the ability of the person and what they're able to do," added Onley, who served as Lieutenant Governor from 2007 until 2014.

"That's one of the reasons I have been honoured to be apart of the Great Valentine Gala through the last three decades."

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