Rankin Inlet (Dec 08/03) - Gabe Nukapiak took his first trip to Toronto on Nov. 29 and he said he was a little nervous.

Growing up in Rankin Inlet and living the past six years in Yellowknife he said he wasn't used to the big city of over three-million people.

Nukapiak wasn't down South just to see the sights, he was an invited and honoured guest.

The Special Olympics snowshoer was invited to attend the largest Special Olympics event in the country.

The Sports Celebrity Festival, now in its 21st year, is the largest Special Olympics fundraiser and promotion. It was held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.

Nukapiak was one of many athletes invited based on their performance in recent competitions.

He earned a silver medal at the Alberta Special Olympics Provincial Games.

During his stay he met with his corporate sponsors, the Royal Bank, and hobnobbed with Canadian Sporting celebrities, including WWE wrestler Edge.

"Edge was my favourite, he's the best wrestler," said Nukapiak.

He also got autographs from people like Toronto Argonauts head coach Mike "Pinball" Clemens.

The experience was so overwhelming that Nukapiak said he wants to go back to the big city. But, it's not all because of the excitement of the fundraiser.

"There are a lot of girls there," he said.

Celebrities give back

Barry Talbot was Nukapiak's chaperon during the trip and he said the experience was incredible.

"All these celebrities were there and he (Nukapiak) got to rub shoulders with them," said Talbot.

"He's a quiet guy, but he did quite well."

The two visited sites like the CN tower, the Hockey Hall of Flame and the Air Canada Centre, home of Nukapiak's favourite team the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Ward was also impressed with how accommodating all the sports icons attending the event were.

"Monday night, Gabe was waiting to get going and some guy came in and started talking to us and he wasn't dressed up or anything. It was Dwayne Ward of the '93 Blue Jays," Talbot said.

"It was good to see some of these high profile people giving back to the community. They raised $1.4 million. There were 1,500 people at the celebrity auction."

The first year the event was held it raised $4,300.

Next up for Nukapiak is the Canada Games in PEI in February.

He is confident that he will do well. In fact, he said, he is expecting gold.