Krinos Canada Announces Sponsorship of Canadian Paralympic Athlete Marissa Papaconstantinou

Krinos Foods announces its partnership with Toronto, Ontario sprinter Marissa Papaconstantinou. The Canadian record holder and Ryerson sports media student is a medal favourite heading into the 2019 Para Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar this November. But her ultimate goal is to be atop the podium at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Prior tobursting onto the world stage at the 2015 World Championships at just 16years of age, Marissa had spent most summers with her family in Greece. Shecarries a deep pride of her heritage and has a fondness for Greek cuisine. "As I’m proud to represent Canadaat competitions around the world I am also equally proud to represent myheritage and share my love of Greek food," said Marissa. "My diet helps keep me healthy andhelps me fuel up for intense workouts. I sometimes like to infuse a littleGreek twist to my meals and Krinos Canada products have always been a staple inmy home."  

As KrinosCanada’s newest ambassador, Marissa will be featured in an upcoming adcampaign and making some appearances to promote their Greek line of foodproducts. “We’ve been drawnto Marissa because she embodies the best of Greek heritage, Canadian pride,determination and inspiration. These qualities reflect our business valuesand after meeting with her in person we knew it was the perfect fit.” said Alexander Georgiadis, President,Krinos Canada. 

AboutMarissa 

Beingborn without a right foot has never got in the wayof Marissa pursuing what she wanted to achieve inlife. Originally a soccer and basketball player, Marissa fell in love withtrack after being fitted for her first running blade at the age of 12at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She joined a localtrack club and a year later was the Canadian record holder. At the 2016Paralympics in Rio, Marissa finished 9th in the 100m butwas disqualified during the 200m finals for stepping on theline. Seeking redemption at the 2017 World Championships, Marissa placed6th in the 100m. Then while sprinting to the finish line inpodium position in the 200m, Marissa tore her hamstring. Despite agonizingpain and heartbreak, she got up and finished the racein dramatic fashion, with the support of 40,000 cheering fans. Imagesfrom that moment went viral on social media all around the world.

Fullyrecovered from her injury, Marissa has continued to improve her personal besttimes. At a recent competition in Switzerland, Marissa took a half-second offher 100m PB.  Marissa is an experienced public speaker sharingher messages and experiences to youth about never giving up, resiliency,and believing anything is possible.

AboutKrinos Canada

What began half a century ago with an Amfissa olive tree is now an international food company with food plants in Toronto, Montréal, Edmonton and Vancouver. Krinos Canada is North America’s largest importer, distributer and manufacturer of Greek specialty foods including cheeses, olive oil, pasta, beans, peppers, yogurt, condiments and confectionery items. They also import a variety of quality beverages including coffees and teas.