OTTAWA: Canadian Olympic gold medalist Catriona Le May Doan and paralympic gold medalist Paul Rosen will be the keynote speakers as eight of Ottawa's most accomplished chefs compete for top honours at the Gold Medal Plates Gala on November 26th at the Hilton Lac Leamy.

The event, one of seven across Canada this year, pairs premiere chefs with Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes in a competition to crown a gold, silver and bronze medal culinary team.

The taste buds of those attending the event will also be winners as guests will have the opportunity to sample each chef's creation and a selection of great Canadian wines. Participants will also have a chance to meet and mingle with the chefs and featured athletes, and participate in a fabulous live and silent auction.

The ten Ottawa chefs who were chosen to compete in the event are Ben Baird, The Urban Pear; Charles Part, Les Fougeres; John Taylor, Domus; Kurt Waldele, National Arts Centre; Richard Nigro, Juniper; Stephen Mitton, Social; Michael Blackie, Blackstreet and Hector Diaz, Arome Seafood and Grill; and dessert will be prepared by Derek Benitz, Luxe Bistro, the 2004 Gold Medal Plates winner.

A highlight for many in attendance, will be hearing first-hand the inspiring personal stories of Olympian Catriona Le May Doan and paralympian Paul Rosen.

Catriona and Paul will be joined at the event by fellow Canadian Olympians Kyle Shefelt, Greg Joy, Sue Holloway, Carolyn Waldo, Glenroy Gilbert, Laurie Graham, James Cartwright and paralympian Todd Nicholson.

A team of national food critics and a local jury will decide the top three winning chef creations. Along with medals and bragging rights, the winners will receive an opportunity to compete for a national title in February, 2007.

Proceeds from the event will be divided between the Canadian Olympic Foundation's initiatives: Own the Podium 2010 and Road to Excellence, supporting winter and summer athletes.