TORONTO, May 28 /CNW/ - March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is thrilled to welcome legendary Canadian wrestler Bret Hart as the new spokesperson of its Stroke Recovery Canada program.

Known to many Canadians as Bret "The Hitman" Hart, the champion wrestler was born in Calgary, Alberta into a wrestling dynasty led by his father, Stu Hart. His seven brothers were either wrestlers or involved backstage with the wrestling business; his four sisters all married professional wrestlers.

Hart won numerous championships in his over 20-year wrestling career but his greatest victory has been his triumph over a devastating stroke in 2002. The stroke caused partial paralysis requiring months of physical therapy, but Hart made a successful recovery. He has since starred in a touring production of Aladdin, and has continued his support of athletics in Calgary.

"We couldn't be more excited to have Bret Hart on board as our spokesperson," says Kimberley Dowds, Associate Director of National Programs for March of Dimes Canada. "Mr. Hart exemplifies what it means to survive and thrive after a stroke, and is a true inspiration to all stroke survivors."

There are over 300,000 stroke survivors in Canada, and every year another 50,000 join their ranks.

"I jumped at the chance to be a part of Stroke Recovery Canada," says Hart. "I want to help March of Dimes Canada in its efforts to support stroke recovery and improve the quality of life of all Canadian stroke survivors." Mr. Hart will be helping Stroke Recovery Canada in its mission to educate Canadian stroke survivors how to "Survive and Thrive" after a stroke. He will also help out at March of Dimes Canada events when his schedule allows.

Stroke Recovery Canada(TM), a program of March of Dimes Canada, is a national service offering post-recovery support, education and programs for stroke survivors, their families and health care providers. Through its work with local peer support groups across the country, Stroke Recovery Canada(TM) provides Canadians with the resources needed to help Canadians survive and thrive after stroke.

With May designated as Stroke Recovery Awareness Month, Stroke Recovery Canada has increased its efforts to educate the public about stroke recovery. For information or to join Stroke Recovery Canada call 1-888-540-6666 or visit the Stroke Recovery Canada website at www.strokerecoverycanada.com.