Foundation Press Archives - Team Canada - Official Olympic Team Website https://olympic.ca/type-of-press/foundation-press/ Official home of Team Canada. Discover athlete stories as well as Olympic rosters, sports and schedules. We inspire Canadians through the power of sport. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:05:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://olympic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/team-canada-512x512.png?w=32 Foundation Press Archives - Team Canada - Official Olympic Team Website https://olympic.ca/type-of-press/foundation-press/ 32 32 166732485 Canadian Olympic Foundation confirms $1.75 million to Team Canada Paris 2024 medallists thanks to donor support https://olympic.ca/press/canadian-olympic-foundation-confirms-1-75-million-to-team-canada-paris-2024-medallists-thanks-to-donor-support/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000 TORONTO (February 13, 2025) – The Canadian Olympic Foundation announced Thursday that the 50 Team Canada Olympic medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been awarded a total of $1.75 million through donor support and the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Athlete Excellence Fund.

The medallists received a combined $935,500 through donor support in recognition of their podium performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, marking the highest amount ever granted through donor support to celebrate medallists’ achievements. This funding is made possible through the Team Canada Podium Awards, funded by the Malaviya Foundation, and the Tania Esakin Fund.

Each Team Canada medallist from Paris 2024 has received $5,000 per medal earned through the Team Canada Podium Awards, and $13,210 each from the Tania Esakin Fund.

The Team Canada Podium Awards follow the Malaviya Foundation’s $1.2 million donation to the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Paralympic Foundation of Canada in 2022, which celebrated Team Canada medallists at the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Additionally, the Malaviya Foundation donated $200,000 in 2024 to Olympic and Paralympic Next Generation Initiatives in support of up-and-coming Canadian athletes.

The Team Canada Podium Awards will also be granted to Team Canada’s medallists from the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

“As we reflect on Paris 2024 and look ahead to Milano Cortina 2026, we are immensely grateful for the Malaviya Foundation’s continued leadership, in celebration of the excellence that Canadian athletes continue to demonstrate on the world stage.” said Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

“Canadian sport has the power to strengthen and bring communities together. It’s a privilege to celebrate the successes at Paris 2024, and to support the athletes who have made the country proud,” said Sanjay Malaviya, Canadian healthcare tech entrepreneur and founder of the Malaviya Foundation.

The distributed grants also came from the Tania Esakin Fund, established through an estate gift to the Canadian Olympic Foundation from Cecile Esakin. At his wishes, the fund was divided equally among Canadian medallists from Beijing 2022 and Paris 2024. 

In addition to donor funding, $815,000 was also granted to Team Canada’s Paris 2024 medallists from the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Athlete Excellence Fund, a support and reward program that provides Canadian athletes with performance awards of $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 for winning Olympic gold, silver, or bronze medals respectively. 

The Athlete Excellence Fund also provides funding of $5,000 for performances at World Championships (or equivalent) during non-Olympic years, to support living, training, and competition expenses.

Looking ahead to Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028, the Canadian Olympic Foundation looks to build on the increased momentum of donor support in helping Team Canada athletes reach their Olympic potential and in celebrating their achievements at the Olympic Games. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Saltsman, Interim Director, Communications & Media Relations
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

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Canadian Olympic Foundation Welcomes Two New Members to its Board of Directors https://olympic.ca/press/canadian-olympic-foundation-welcomes-two-new-members-to-its-board-of-directors/ Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://olympic.ca/?post_type=press&p=326080 TORONTO (July 5, 2024) – The Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF) is proud to welcome two newly elected members to its board of directors: Adrian Rocca and G Scott Paterson.

Rocca has 20 years of real estate and investing experience across Canada, the United States and Europe. He is the founder and CEO of Fitzrovia, Canada’s largest purpose-built rental developer with over 9,000 residential units in development and $10 billion of assets under management.

Paterson is a technology and media entrepreneur who is currently active as Executive Chair of FutureVault Inc., Chair of QYOU Media Inc. and a board member of Verses AI Inc. and Lions Gate Entertainment Canada Corp. He is also co-founder and Chair of ComKids.

The COF board of directors, led by Chair Perry Dellelce, is now comprised of 16 directors. Along with Rocca and Paterson, eight directors were recently re-elected, including:

  • Helene Desmarais  
  • Brian Gallant
  • Jeff Glass   
  • Ted Goldthorpe   
  • Moez Kassam   
  • Bruce Linton   
  • Tony Loria   
  • Cailey Stollery   

“It is a privilege to be part of Team Canada in this role,” said Rocca. “As we’ll no doubt witness in Paris this summer, sport has the power to bring communities together both nationwide and globally. I’m honoured to be named to the Canadian Olympic Foundation’s board of directors and am looking forward to making a lasting impact on the Canadian sport system.”

“It is an honor to join the Canadian Olympic Foundation board,” said Paterson. “I am excited to contribute to the continued success and growth of the Foundation and support Canada’s athletes as they inspire and unite the nation.”

The COF also thanks departing board member John Bitove for his years of dedication and commitment to Canadian sport. Bitove has served on the board since 2012, and his contributions – including gifts that established the Bitove Indigenous Awards and Bitove Diversity Internships – have left an important legacy on Team Canada and the Canadian sport system. 

“On behalf of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the sport community as a whole, I want to thank John for his many years of service and his incredible impact on Canadian sport,” said Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “And we are thrilled to have Adrian and Scott join our board of directors. They both truly embody our Olympic values, and believe in the transformational power of sport. As we get set to cheer on Team Canada in Paris, I cannot wait to continue our important work of helping to propel athletes across the finish line alongside them.”

“We are fortunate to have Scott and Adrian join our board. They are incredibly established in their respective industries and both have a breadth of knowledge, insight, and professional networks to offer the Canadian Olympic Foundation,” said Perry Dellelce, Chair, Canadian Olympic Foundation. “They are fantastic additions to our Board of Directors.”

The entire board of directors along with their respective biographies can be found here.

About the Canadian Olympic Foundation:
The Canadian Olympic Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Canadian Olympic Committee, with the joint purpose to transform Canada through the power of sport. Donations to the COF directly benefit Team Canada athletes at all stages of their Olympic journeys, and the high-performance services that support them.

When you invest in an athlete’s journey, you provide key resources needed to propel them over the finish line – and inspire a nation. Join Team Canada at Olympic.ca/foundation.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

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The Malaviya Foundation Deepens Commitment to Olympic and Paralympic Medallists Ahead of Paris 2024 and Milano-Cortina 2026 with Team Canada Podium Awards https://olympic.ca/press/the-malaviya-foundation-deepens-commitment-to-olympic-and-paralympic-medallists-ahead-of-paris-2024-and-milano-cortina-2026-with-team-canada-podium-awards/ Thu, 16 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000 TORONTO (May 16, 2024) – The Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Paralympic Foundation of Canada are pleased to announce the Team Canada Podium Awards to support Team Canada medallists at Paris 2024 and Milano-Cortina 2026, thanks to a commitment of upwards of $1.4 million from the Malaviya Foundation.

The Team Canada Podium Awards will give Paris 2024 and Milano-Cortina 2026 medallists a $5,000 grant per medal earned. Additionally, $100,000 will go to Olympic and Paralympic Next Generation Initiatives, helping to fund the highest priority needs of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Paralympic Foundation of Canada.

“The Malaviya Foundation’s generous commitment to Team Canada athletes is invaluable,” said Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “Despite our very best efforts, athletes still don’t have all the resources they need to compete at the highest levels. We are so grateful for the Malaviya Foundation’s continued leadership ahead of Paris 2024 and Milano-Cortina 2026, at a time when athletes need it the most. We hope this gift inspires Canadians to support Team Canada this summer and beyond.”

“The funding support that the Malaviya Foundation has granted the Paralympic Foundation of Canada over the years has been instrumental in creating opportunities and achieving greater equity for Paralympic athletes to fulfill their full potential,” said Dean Brokop, Executive Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada and Chief Philanthropic Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “We are truly thankful.”

This gift follows the Malaviya Foundation’s $1.2 million donation to the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Paralympic Foundation of Canada in 2022, celebrating Team Canada medallists at the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“Canadian sport serves as a catalyst for uniting the nation and bringing communities together,” said Sanjay Malaviya, the Canadian healthcare tech entrepreneur behind the Malaviya Foundation. “Team Canada athletes are inspirational in many ways and it’s an honour to be able to support and celebrate them as they represent our country at the highest level of competition.”

The Team Canada Podium Awards are in addition to the funding that Olympians and Paralympians receive for winning a medal from the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Athlete Excellence Fund and the Paralympic Performance Recognition Program, which was established in part by a gift from the Malaviya Foundation in January 2024.

About the Canadian Olympic Foundation:
The Canadian Olympic Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Canadian Olympic Committee, with the joint purpose to transform Canada through the power of sport. Donations to the COF directly benefit Team Canada athletes at all stages of their Olympic journeys, and the high-performance services that support them.

When you invest in an athlete’s journey, you provide key resources needed to propel them over the finish line – and inspire a nation. Join Team Canada at Olympic.ca/foundation.

About the Paralympic Foundation of Canada:
The Paralympic Foundation of Canada is the registered charitable foundation of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Our shared vision is through Paralympic sport, an inclusive world. We believe Paralympic sport has the power to ignite transformative change in Canada, contributing to a more inclusive nation where people with disabilities are valued for all their capabilities, differences, and diversity.  For more information, visit ParalympicFoundation.ca.  

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

Koteki Inaba
Program Manager, Public Relations
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 514-861-5791
E: kinaba@olympic.ca

Nicole Watts
Senior Manager, Communications & PR
Canadian Paralympic Committee
C: 613-462-2700
E: nwatts@paralympic.ca

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Canadian Olympic Foundation announces Bursary Program for Quebec Olympic Athletes through a new $500,000 gift https://olympic.ca/press/canadian-olympic-foundation-announces-bursary-program-for-quebec-olympic-athletes-through-a-new-500000-gift/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000 https://olympic.ca/?post_type=press&p=315565 MONTREAL (March 7, 2024) – On Thursday, the Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF) announced the Bursary Program for Quebec Olympic Athletes, a new award program established by a $500,000 gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

The program is designed to offer financial relief to athletes from Quebec and aims to help offset the rising costs of training and competition as they strive to represent Canada on the world stage at Paris 2024, Milano-Cortina 2026, and beyond. 

The five athletes that have been selected to receive the inaugural bursary are:

Éliot Grondin, Snowboard (Sainte-Marie, Que.)
Sophia Jensen, Canoe-Kayak (Chelsea, Que.)
Marion Thénault, Freestyle Skiing (Sherbrooke, Que.)
Tammara Thibeault, Boxing (Shawinigan, Que.)
Nathan Zsombor-Murray, Diving (Pointe-Claire, Que.)

“We just adore what we do and we do it with lots of passion, even if it is extremely demanding, with many constraints,” said Thénault. “Consequently, we go through very stressful times. To have less financial stress takes away a huge weight off our shoulders. We can focus on what we love, which is to practice our sport as much as possible. I love representing Canada on the world scene and feel that support from my country and my province. It’s extremely pleasing since we feel that people are behind us and are proud of us. I not only do this for myself, but also for all those who support us.”

“When I was told I had been chosen for the bursary program, I called my mom and started crying,” said Jensen. “In my sport, we don’t get the funding needed for all that we do, especially having our national team training centre based in Nova Scotia when I’m from Quebec. It means so much to me to have financial stress relieved to just focus on my sport and the Olympic dream.”

Recipients will receive $20,000 each year, renewable for up to five years. The program is open to both winter and summer athletes, and recipients were selected based on dedication to high-performance excellence, previous Olympic participation, Olympic potential, and the impact this bursary will have on the athlete’s financial ability to compete on the world stage. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to provide support to Quebec athletes, thanks to this generous investment,” said Jacqueline Ryan, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “Despite our best efforts, athletes still don’t have all the resources they need to compete at the highest levels. Donations like this one provide crucial resources that they need to propel them over the finish line. By offsetting some of the ever-rising costs of training and competing, this gift will have a tremendous impact. I hope it will also inspire others to support Team Canada on the road to Paris 2024 and Milano-Cortina 2026”

“Quebec has a rich sport and Olympic heritage, and there are so many inspiring athletes from this province competing for Team Canada,” said Eric Myles, Chief Sport Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “We’re so grateful to this donor who believes in sport, and understands that their support will make a huge difference to Quebec athletes on their journey to the Olympic Games – not just on the field of play, but on their quality of life as an athlete and on the influence they will have on young people.”

About the Canadian Olympic Foundation:
The Canadian Olympic Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Canadian Olympic Committee, with the joint purpose to transform Canada through the power of sport. Donations to the COF directly benefit Team Canada athletes at all stages of their Olympic journeys, and the high-performance services that support them.

When you invest in an athlete’s journey, you provide key resources needed to propel them over the finish line – and inspire a nation. Join Team Canada at olympic.ca/foundation

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations, Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

Koteki Inaba
Program Manager, Public Relations, Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 514-861-5791
E: kinaba@olympic.ca

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Olympic Champion Bruny Surin Joins the Canadian Olympic Foundation Board of Directors https://olympic.ca/press/olympic-champion-bruny-surin-joins-the-canadian-olympic-foundation-board-of-directors/ Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:31:14 +0000 https://olympic.ca/?post_type=press&p=300098 TORONTO (July 13, 2023) – On Wednesday, the Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF) announced the appointment of four-time Olympian and philanthropist Bruny Surin to its Board of Directors. Surin will replace Olympian Mark Tewksbury, who has completed his term. 

Surin has been a leader in Canadian sport for more than three decades. He represented Canada at four Olympic Games, and won a gold medal as part of the legendary mens’ 4x100m relay team at Atlanta 1996. He jointly holds the Canadian record of 9.84 seconds in the 100m sprint, which he ran at the 1999 World Athletics Championships.

Surin is also Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a role he has accepted with pride and enthusiasm.

“I am honoured to join the COF Board of Directors,” said Surin. “Team Canada has always been my home. After arriving in Montreal from Haiti, sport completely changed my life. I’ve been working hard to give back to the community that has given me so much, and I can’t wait to accomplish even more with the Canadian Olympic Foundation, and help give more young athletes the opportunity to achieve their Olympic dreams.”

Even more than his athletic accomplishments, Surin brings a true passion for sport to this new role with the COF, as well as a commitment to supporting young athletes. In 2002, he founded the Bruny Surin Foundation, which has since awarded more than $2-million in scholarships to support student athletes, training camps, and promoting healthy and active lifestyles to youth.

“We are thrilled to have Bruny join us at the Foundation,” said Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of the COF and Chief of Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “Not only is he one of Canada’s all-time great Olympic athletes, he is a dedicated champion of the Olympic Movement and a passionate advocate for youth in sport. I am so looking forward to working alongside him as we continue to activate on the Team Canada Impact Agenda and transform Canada through the power of sport.

I would also like to thank Mark Tewksbury for his passionate contribution to the Canadian Olympic Foundation. He is one of the most ardent champions for the power of sport in this country, and we know he will continue to support the Foundation and Team Canada through his many other roles.”

“I could not be more excited to have Bruny Surin join the Foundation’s Board of Directors,” said Perry Dellelce, Chair of the Canadian Olympic Foundation Board of Directors. “Bruny represents everything we stand for at Team Canada. His passion for sport and its power to transform lives is evident in everything he does, and I can’t wait to watch him make his mark alongside us at the Foundation. Welcome Bruny!”

Surin is a recipient of both the Diamond Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II and the Ordre national du Québec in recognition of his career and sizeable impact on youth in sport. He is an appointee of the Order of Canada, and a member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. 

Surin joins a dedicated team of individuals on the COF Board of Directors, all of whom are listed on the Foundation’s website here.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

Koteki Inaba
Program Manager, Public Relations
C: 438-337-6010
E: kinaba@olympic.ca

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300098 Photo Bernard Brault, ©2022
Canadian Olympic Foundation Announces Gift from Marissa and Moez Kassam to Launch Level the Playing Field Initiative  https://olympic.ca/press/canadian-olympic-foundation-announces-gift-from-marissa-and-moez-kassam-to-launch-level-the-playing-field-initiative/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:13:25 +0000 https://olympic.ca/?post_type=press&p=298843 TORONTO (June 15, 2023) – The Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF) is pleased to announce a donation of $1-million from Marissa and Moez Kassam, establishing the Level the Playing Field initiative.

This initiative will enable the Foundation, together with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and many of Canada’s National Sport Organizations (NSOs), to drive resources directly to programs at the grassroots level for youth from newcomer and marginalized communities. In particular, these programs will focus on introducing new Canadians to sport in Canada, and as an accelerator of the Team Canada Impact Agenda, will help make sport more inclusive and barrier-free. 

“I am thrilled to announce this generous gift from Marissa and Moez Kassam,” said Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “This inspiring donation will help us activate on the Team Canada Impact Agenda, and provide more opportunities for young people of all backgrounds across the country to experience the power of sport.”

“We know that our role of inspiring more young Canadians to play and stay in sport is important to communities across the country,” said Eric Myles, Chief Sport Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “We also know this work contributes to a more successful next generation of Team Canada athletes. We’re excited to be working with National Sport Organizations and our sport partners to deliver programs that will create more access to sport for more people.”

Last year, the COC unveiled the Team Canada Impact Agenda, a commitment to making sport safe, inclusive and barrier-free so more young people can play and stay in sport. This gift is part of that commitment, recognizing the need to lead a more diverse and inclusive Team Canada to podium success. 

“Barriers to access and participation are a reality for marginalized groups,” said Marissa and Moez Kassam. “We are excited to partner with the Canadian Olympic Foundation in the establishment of the Level the Playing Field initiative. Dedicated to removing barriers and opening doors to grassroots sports programs for immigrant and diverse communities, the fund will ensure they too can experience the power and community of sport and realize their full potential. We are honoured to be part of this important work.”

Moez Kassam is the Chief Investment Officer of the Toronto hedge fund Anson Funds, and a current member of the Canadian Olympic Foundation Board of Directors. Informed by the immigrant experience, Moez & Marissa established the Moez & Marissa Kassam Foundation in 2016. With a commitment to children and immigrant and diverse communities, the Moez & Marissa Kassam Foundation invests in organizations that address the symptoms of inequality and exclusion while working to level the playing field.

To learn more about the Team Canada Impact Agenda, visit olympic.ca/impact-agenda.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations, Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

Joanne Kearney
Moez & Marissa Kassam Foundation
T: 416-804-5949
E: joanne.kearney@smithcom.ca

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Canadian Olympic Foundation Announces Gift from John Bitove and Family to Support Indigenous Athletes https://olympic.ca/press/canadian-olympic-foundation-announces-gift-from-john-bitove-and-family-to-support-indigenous-athletes/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 20:31:38 +0000 https://olympic.ca/?post_type=press&p=295199 TORONTO (March 14, 2023) – The Canadian Olympic Foundation is pleased to announce a donation of $250,000 from John Bitove and family to establish the Bitove Family Diversity Programs.

Through this gift, the Foundation has created the Bitove Indigenous Awards, an annual bursary program to support Team Canada’s Indigenous athletes. Every year, five athletes are awarded $5,000 each to help with the financial costs of training and competing. In addition, this gift makes possible the Bitove Diversity Internships, awarded to five candidates annually from under-represented groups to gain work experience at the Canadian Olympic Committee. 

“I am thrilled to announce this generous gift from John Bitove and his family,” said Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “John is passionate about our mission to transform Canada through the power of sport. This inspiring donation will help us activate on the Team Canada Impact Agenda, and build a safe, inclusive and barrier-free sport system for more athletes across the country.”

Last year, the COC unveiled the Team Canada Impact Agenda, a commitment to making sport safe, inclusive and barrier-free so more young people can play and stay in sport. These awards are part of that commitment, recognizing the need to lead a more diverse and inclusive Team Canada to podium success. 

“I have been involved in sport for so much of my professional life, and I’m always amazed at how it can bring communities and our country together,” said Bitove. “My family and I hope that through these awards, more people are able to experience the power of sport, and pursue their Olympic dreams.”

Bitove is the Chairman of Obelysk, a diversified holding company investing in and operating companies. In 1993, he founded the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club. In addition to overseeing several other philanthropic initiatives, Bitove currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Olympic Foundation. 

The Canadian Olympic Foundation began granting Bitove Indigenous Awards in 2021, and the bursary has been received by 10 athletes so far. These include:

2021:
Trinity Ellis (Luge)
Amiel Flett-Brown (Cycling)
Brigette Lacquette (Ice Hockey)
Jocelyne Larocque (Ice Hockey)

2022:
Charles-Étienne Chrétien (Cycling)
Justina Di Stasio (Wrestling)
Margo Erlam (Diving)
Liam Gill (Snowboard)
Alexandria Town (Wrestling)
Eden Wilson (Bobsleigh)

To learn more about the Team Canada Impact Agenda, visit olympic.ca/impact-agenda.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

Thomas Hall
Director, Communications and Public Relations
C: 514-709-1054
E: thall@olympic.ca

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Alpine Canada and Canadian Olympic Foundation receive record-breaking donation to support alpine, para-alpine and ski cross athletes https://olympic.ca/press/alpine-canada-and-canadian-olympic-foundation-receive-record-breaking-donation-to-support-alpine-para-alpine-and-ski-cross-athletes/ Wed, 28 Sep 2022 13:25:44 +0000 https://olympic.ca/?post_type=press&p=289850 TORONTO (September 28, 2022) – The Canadian Olympic Foundation and Alpine Canada are pleased to announce a gift of $1.3 million dollars from Timothy Dattels, Chair of the Board of Alpine Canada. This donation represents the largest personal philanthropic gift towards alpine ski racing in Canadian history, and will support Canadian alpine, para-alpine and ski cross athletes.

Dattels is a Partner at the global investment firm TPG and served as Managing Partner of TPG Asia. Prior to joining TPG in 2004, he served as a Partner and Managing Director of Goldman Sachs & Co. Dattels was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to represent Canada on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council. He also serves as Chairman of The Jackson Laboratory and is the Founding Trustee of the Kingfisher Foundation.

“I am proud to support our world class athletes by lessening the financial burden to compete,” said Dattels. “Philanthropy is essential to the success of ski racing in Canada, and the importance of donations cannot be overstated.”

This generous donation will deliver best-in-class support to Alpine Canada athletes, including world-class coaching, training, support staff and services required to compete on the Olympic and Paralympic world stage. 

“This gift from Tim Dattels is transformational for alpine ski racing in Canada and a clear endorsement of the sport’s bright future in our country,” said Jacqueline Ryan, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “This contribution is truly inspiring, and will support numerous athletes in representing Canada on the world stage and pursuing their Olympic dreams.”

Alpine Canada has undergone three seasons of organizational renewal and appointed a strong board of directors composed of business and philanthropic leaders, new executive leadership, and top high-performance coaches. The organization has developed an ambitious strategic plan to make Canada a world-leading ski racing nation, and strengthened its commitment to creating a healthy, safe, and inclusive sport environment. Last season, Canada’s alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross teams had their best results in over a decade and are looking to build on that momentum heading into the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“Our athletes need consistent, elevated support throughout their journey to compete with the world’s best, including at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Therese Brisson, President and CEO of Alpine Canada. “We are very grateful and deeply appreciative of Tim’s leadership and this unprecedented gift. It is a game changer for Alpine Canada’s athletes, teams and coaches, and I know Tim is hoping this will inspire more Canadians to join #CANskiteam and stand together with our athletes pursuing podium performances on a global stage.”

About Canadian Olympic Foundation

The Canadian Olympic Foundation is where the power of sport, our national pride and the impact of philanthropy intersect to make Olympic dreams a reality. As the official charitable organization of Team Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee, the foundation aims to inspire Canadians to believe in their own potential through sport and Olympic values. For more information on how the foundation empowers Canadians to be an integral part of the Canadian Olympic Movement, visit olympic.ca/foundation.

About Alpine Canada 

Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter​ Saltsman
Senior Manager, Public Relations, Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-382-6986
E: psaltsman@olympic.ca

Alex Shiff
Alpine Canada
C: 604-499-6680
E: ashiff@navltd.com

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Stollery family makes major gift of $2M in support of Team Canada women’s coaching position https://olympic.ca/press/stollery-family-makes-major-gift-of-2m-in-support-of-team-canada-womens-coaching-position/ Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:27:56 +0000 https://olympic.ca/?post_type=press&p=287008 Major gift will see the renaming of the national women’s head coaching position to the Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach

First of its kind naming rights gift for National Sport Federation head coaching position will also  guide the Women’s Golf Team for Team Canada at future Olympic Games.

(May 31, 2022) – Golf Canada in partnership with the Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Olympic Foundation have announced a major gift from the Stollery Family that will see the official title of the women’s national team head coach renamed as the Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach and Stollery Family Olympic Women’s Head Coach.

The Stollery Family, long-time supporters of Canadian golf and especially the women’s game including junior girls and high-performance activities, have donated a total $2M to the Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Olympic Foundation in support of the Team Canada program to help fund the Women’s Head Coach position over a 30-year term.

“We are so honoured that the Stollerys, a family with such a long history of philanthropy and promoting sport, has chosen to make this meaningful gift in support of women’s golf,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman, who also sits as a Board Member on the Golf Canada Foundation. “We are excited for what this means for the growth of the women’s game, and the powerful statement it makes in support of coaching across Canada.”

Salimah Mussani, recently promoted by Golf Canada to lead the women’s team will be the inaugural Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach.

Seven sisters –Cailey, Victoria, Gillian, Lindsay, Claire, Sarah, and Hannah – have proudly carried on the family legacy of support for the game initiated by their late father Gordon Stollery. Among other successful business ventures, the Stollery Family are the owners and operators of Goodwood Golf Club in Goodwood, Ont. as well as Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont. which has played host to numerous major golf championships including the CP Women’s Open (2001), the Telus Skins Game (2001), the RBC Canadian Open (2002, 2007) and the golf competition of the 2015 Pan Am Games. Angus Glen is also proud host of the annual World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargeant Farms, set to return October 12-15, 2022. The Stollery Family have also been long-time supporters of the Golf Canada Foundation including events such as the popular Wine, Women’ & Shoes Fundraiser. The generosity of the Stollery Family has supported numerous charitable legacies including a $5M donation to Markham Stouffville Hospital which named the Stollery Family Centre for Childbirth and Children in their honour.

“Our family recognizes and values the critical role that women’ golf and high-performance coaching can have on the overall growth of a sport that has meant so such much to us all,” said Cailey Stollery who sits on the Board Directors of both the Golf Canada Foundation as well as the Canadian Olympic Foundation. “In making this gift, we believe in the renewed vision of Golf Canada’s high-performance program and hope that others will come forward to join us in this journey.”

The Stollery Family’s major gift to fund the Women’s Head Coach position is the first of its kind for a Canadian National Sport Federation head coaching position.

The Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach will also be a first for a Canadian Olympic Team coach as the Team Canada Stollery Family Women’s Head Coach will also guide Women’s Golf Team that is named by the Canadian Olympic Committee to represent Team Canada at future Olympic Games.

“This gift from the Stollery Family is remarkable, and a clear indication of the entire family’s shared belief in the transformational power of sport,” says Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee and CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation. “This contribution is truly inspiring and will help shape the exciting future of women’s golf in Canada for years to come.”

The continued expansion of the National Team Program through major donor gifts is a driving force behind Golf Canada’s enhanced support of the High-Performance Program with a goal to advance 30 Canadian athletes to the LPGA and PGA TOUR by 2032.

ABOUT THE GOLF CANADA FOUNDATION 

The Golf Canada Foundation is the leading source for golf philanthropy in Canada, granting more than $12 million to golf programs since 2012, and $13.4 million invested in the sport since the Foundation’s inception in 1979. The foundation’s mission is to support and promote programs that increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across Canada. For more information about what the Golf Canada Foundation is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanadafoundation.com.

CANADIAN OLYMPIC FOUNDATION
The Canadian Olympic Foundation is where the power of sport, our national pride and the impact of philanthropy intersect to make Olympic dreams a reality. As the official charitable organization of Team Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee, the foundation aims to inspire Canadians to believe in their own potential, through sport and Olympic values. For more information on how the foundation empowers Canadians to be an integral part of the Canadian Olympic Movement, visit olympic.ca/foundation.

GOLF CANADA

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 300,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

Media Contact:

Dan Pino

Sr. Director, Communications

Golf Canada

416-434-5525

dpino@golfcanada.ca

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287008 Team Canada Media Day
Sanjay Malaviya donates $1.2M to Olympic and Paralympic medallists https://olympic.ca/press/sanjay-malaviya-donates-1-2m-to-olympic-and-paralympic-medallists/ Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:30:00 +0000 https://olympic.ca/?post_type=press&p=284808 Historic donation made through Canadian Olympic Foundation and Paralympic Foundation of Canada

TORONTO (March 30, 2022) – The Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Paralympic Foundation of Canada announced Wednesday that Canadian entrepreneur Sanjay Malaviya made a $1.2 million donation to directly support Team Canada’s Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 medallists.

This is the first time a gift of this magnitude has been given directly to Olympic and Paralympic medallists through either foundation. They will receive a $5,000 grant per medal earned. Additionally, $100,000 will go to the NextGen program to help support future Olympians and Paralympians.  

“Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes have inspired and united us during a very difficult time,” said Malaviya. “It’s an honour to be able to celebrate their achievements and invest in their future.”

In total, 130 Olympians and 53 Paralympians will receive a grant through this donation.

“The gift Sanjay has made is truly remarkable, especially following the challenges Team Canada athletes have faced over the past few years,” said Jacquie Ryan, Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee and CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation. “Sanjay’s belief  in the power of sport, and the impact Olympic and Paralympic medallists have on all Canadians is truly inspiring.

Malaviya is a Canadian healthcare technology entrepreneur who developed cutting-edge IT products that have helped to keep patients safer in more than 2,000 healthcare organizations around the world. His passion for sport comes from his appreciation of the lessons that athletes can carry from sport to all other aspects of life. In particular he loves the leadership and resilience that Team Canada athletes have demonstrated over the past two years and thinks this has been a source of inspiration for all Canadians to share Olympic and Paralympic values.

“We are truly grateful that Sanjay saw the importance of recognizing Paralympic medallists alongside their Olympic counterparts,” said Dean Brokop, Director of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. “This generous gift will play a pivotal role in empowering Canada’s finest athletes as they work towards reaching more podiums in Paris and Milan-Cortina.”

Recipient Abigail Strate won a historic Olympic medal by securing Canada’s first-ever medal in ski jumping, a bronze in the mixed team event at Beijing 2022.

“In order to be competitive globally, an athlete needs access to the best equipment, services and facilities, which undoubtedly requires financial support. As a member of the Ski Jumping Canada Women’s National Team, I live abroad to have consistent access to training facilities ,” said Strate. “I am incredibly grateful for the support Sanjay has provided. His undeniable commitment to sport will make each of us strive to make our country proud.”

Para nordic skier Mark Arendz won four medals at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games to bring his career total to 12.

“On behalf of all my fellow Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Paralympians, a huge thank you to Sanjay for this gift,” added Arendz, a four-time Paralympian. “This is a significant step forward in the recognition of Canadian Paralympic athletes who work and train so hard to compete on the world stage. I am optimistic that Sanjay’s generosity will serve as a catalyst for greater equality for Canadian athletes with a disability that so proudly represent our country.”

For more information about the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Paralympic Foundation of Canada and how you can support Team Canada, please visit olympicfoundation.ca or paralympicfoundation.ca

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Josh Su, Program Manager, Public Relations
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-464-4060
E: jsu@olympic.ca 

Nicole Watts, Manager, Public Relations
Canadian Paralympic Committee
C: 613-462-2700
E: nwatts@paralympic.ca

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