Canadian Forces Dentist Wins Atacama Crossing Desert Race in Chile

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Apr 07 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Canadian Forces (CF) is proud to recognize the first-place finish of
Captain Mehmet Danis of 1 CF Dental Unit, Toronto Detachment, in the
Atacama Crossing desert race in Chile, which ended on April 4, 2009.
Captain Danis was running to raise funds for the United Way.

"I would like to congratulate Captain Danis for his outstanding
accomplishment," said the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of
National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "His success is
another demonstration of the great courage and generosity of our Canadian
Forces members in supporting their communities, and the high physical
standards that our members must maintain to fulfil their duty."

Captain Danis finished the race in 31 hours, 56 minutes and 27 seconds,
surpassing his nearest competitor by 50 minutes. Eighty-six runners
representing 25 countries participated in the gruelling contest.

"Captain Danis's first-place finish is a superb example of what
determination and a great cause can achieve once combined," said
Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Goheen, Commanding Officer, 1 CF Dental Unit.

In 2008, Captain Danis ran the Gobi March, a desert race in northern
China, also in support of the United Way. He placed sixth in that
competition.

The 250-km Atacama Crossing desert race is run in stages over six days.
Runners carry their own clothing, equipment and food, and are provided
with water and a place in a tent each night. They are supported by a
professional medical team.

Captain Danis is available for interviews from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. today.

Contacts:
National Defence
Media Liaison Office
1-866-377-0811

Information: 613-996-2353/1-866-377-0811
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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