Twelve-foot statue honours visionary, entrepreneur,
philanthropist, passionate Canadian
TORONTO, July 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications
unveiled today a 12-foot bronze statue of Edward S. "Ted" Rogers to celebrate the spirit
and legacy of one of Canada's most
respected and influential leaders. Designed by Canadian sculptor
and close friend of the Rogers family, Siggy Puchta, the full-length statue, weighing
nearly 800 lbs., was inspired by Rogers's drive and commitment to
advancing media and communications in Canada.
"Ted never gave up on a dream and his relentless spirit turned a
fledgling radio station into Canada's most dynamic communications and media
company," said Loretta Rogers, Ted's
wife. "It's truly an honour to celebrate his incredible
accomplishments with the unveiling of a statue at Rogers Centre,
home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Ted always felt the Blue Jays played
a central role in the civic pride of our country and he loved being
amongst the fans at a game. I couldn't imagine a better home for
this special tribute."
Rogers, who passed away in 2008, was one of the country's most
accomplished entrepreneurs.
Known for his unwavering drive, he built Rogers Communications
into a North American leader in wireless telecommunications, cable
television, broadcasting, publishing, and more. As Founder,
President and CEO of Rogers Communications, he stepped up to the
plate and acquired the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000 in an effort to
keep the team on Canadian soil. He later purchased SkyDome in 2004,
re-branding it Rogers Centre.
"Ted was truly an icon who transformed the communications
landscape," said Nadir Mohamed,
President and CEO, Rogers Communications. "He built Rogers
Communications from the ground up into one of our country's
greatest success stories. Ted remains a great source of pride
internally and his incredible spirit lives on through our 30,000
employees."
Today's dedication ceremony was attended by Rogers's family and
close friends, including wife Loretta, their children - Lisa,
Edward, Melinda, and Martha - his sister Ann Graham Calderisi, and Rogers Executives and
employees, including Nadir Mohamed,
Alan Horn and Phil Lind.
"While many remember Ted most for his success in business, he
was also known as a generous philanthropist and a dedicated family
man," said Alan Horn, Chairman of
the Board, Rogers Communications, and President and CEO, Rogers
Telecommunications Limited. "This statue is a great way to
commemorate Ted Rogers, a true
pioneer of our times."
The statue stands atop a granite base with four plaques
describing Rogers:
1) Edward S. "Ted" Rogers
1933-2008
2) Founder, President and CEO, Rogers Communications 1960-2008
3) "The Best is Yet to Come"
4) Visionary, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Passionate Canadian
The statue will remain permanently outside Rogers Centre, facing
Bremner Boulevard near Gates 5 and 6.
About Rogers Communications
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and
media company. We are Canada's
largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services
and one of Canada's leading
providers of cable television, high speed Internet and telephony
services. Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and
television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade
publications, sports entertainment, and digital media. We are
publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and
RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further
information about the Rogers group of companies, please
visit rogers.com.
SOURCE Rogers Communications Inc.
Image with caption: "A 12-foot bronze statue of the late
Ted Rogers was unveiled today at
Rogers Centre in Toronto to honour
the Canadian business visionary. (CNW Group/Rogers Communications
Inc.)". Image available at:
http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130723_C9044_PHOTO_EN_29215.jpg
Image with caption: "Multiplatinum singing group The Tenors
perform at a ceremony at Rogers Centre in Toronto to unveil a bronze statue of the late
Canadian business visionary, Ted
Rogers. (CNW Group/Rogers Communications Inc.)". Image
available at:
http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130723_C9044_PHOTO_EN_29219.jpg