Victoria sport community celebrated
Victoria, March 3, 2012
VICTORIA – In recognition that it takes partnership to produce Olympic heroes, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) today hosted a reception at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) to honour the Victoria-area sport community’s contribution to strengthening the Canadian Olympic Team.
Victoria is an established training hub for high-performance athletes for sports such as Swimming, Rowing, Rugby and Triathlon, and the exclusive reception was attended by scores of Victoria-area athletes, sport leaders and volunteers.
“Some of Canada’s finest athletes were either raised or have trained for success right here in Victoria,” said Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut. “We have ample proof that the entire British Columbia sport community understand the true meaning of the word ‘team’ and the Canadian Olympic Team is the stronger for it.”
“One out of every five Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes reside in Victoria and the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence is proud of the role we play in supporting this inspiring community,” said Peter Lawless, Board member of both the COC and PISE. “We are delighted to be joining the Canadian Olympic Committee in recognizing the contribution of the Victoria sport community to building a strong Canadian Olympic Team.”
“As an athlete it is very exciting to have the Canadian Olympic Committee Board in Victoria, B.C.,” said Brian Price, Coxswain for the Olympic Gold medal-winning Men’s Eight in Rowing. “They invest a tremendous amount of time, effort and money into not only us as athletes but also the facilities, equipment, coaching and medical support needed to achieve Olympic success. There is no doubt in my mind that the Canadian Olympic Committee continues to be a committed partner with rowing in our pursuit of excellence in London this summer.”
“The Victoria sport community has a reputation for athletic excellence and is home to numerous high-achieving athletes, many of which have gone on to reach the Olympic podium,” said Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Veterans Affairs, speaking on behalf of The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “On behalf of the Harper government, I salute your efforts, and look forward to cheering with you, and all Canadians, as we watch our athletes compete in London this summer.”
“This afternoon is truly a celebration of British Columbia’s exceptional contribution to high performance sport in Canada,” said Ida Chong, Provincial Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “Today, as we come together as a community, it is clear we have not only had a tremendous impact in the past and present of Canadian sport, but that we can look forward to an incredible future as well.” The reception was held in conjunction with the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Board Meeting which is taking place over the weekend on March 3rd and 4th.
