“Open Heart, Open Mind”. Clara Hughes will speak about her life from her journey in becoming a six-time Olympic medalist to “slowing down to the pace of a human being”.

Clara spent over a decade in the grueling world of competitive sports that allowed her to mask a severe depression. Clara spent her teenage years using drugs and alcohol to escape her difficult home life. When she was sixteen while watching Gaeten Boucher race in the Calgary Olympics she dreamed of competing herself. She channeled her anger, frustration and raw ambition into speed skating and cycling. By 2010 she had become a six-time Olympic medalist.

“Open Heart, Open Mind” is the personal story of Clara Hughes, one of Canada’s most decorated Olympian’s journey and struggle with depression. With humour and practical advice she helps audiences learn to listen so that they can heal and reconnect with who they really are, letting go of the fear of failing and truly learning to feel. She will take the audience through a wide-ranging journey of self-discovery while facing her ultimate challenge: herself!

This event will appeal to all ages but in particular will resonate with today’s adolescence.

To ensure a safe environment for the public and to align with industry standards, the 2023 Memorial Cup has implemented a restricted bag policy as a part of the integrated security plan for all venues during the event. Plan ahead and review www.chl.ca/memorialcup for policy details.