Canadian Olympic Committee Names Shane Pearsall as Chef de Mission leading the Canadian Olympic Team in Torino 2006

It is with great pleasure that the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announces the selection of Shane Pearsall as Chef de Mission of the Canadian Olympic Team for the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

Pearsall, a veteran of Olympic experience, has held a variety of positions over the last 20 years through his involvement with both the COC and other amateur sport organizations. His most recent contribution to the Canadian Olympic team was as Assistant Chef de Mission at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Pearsall’s experience and professionalism was highly regarded at the 2002 Games, where he was instrumental in supporting the Canadian Team, which earned a best ever medal count at a Winter Games.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be selected as Chef de Mission for Torino,” said Pearsall, “I look forward to leading a team that serves and provides optimal support to Canadian athletes and coaches as they endeavour to reach the podium.”

Pearsall’s other contributions to sport include his current role as Chief Operating Officer of Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton, member of the COC’s Executive Committee, past chair of the COC Athletes’ Council, membership on the Athletes’ advisory board for the Vancouver 2010 Bid, his extensive coaching experience and his accomplishments as an athlete on the National Men’s Ice Hockey Team and with the Ottawa 67’s Junior A team.
“I have no doubt that Shane has the experience and necessary skills to lead Canada’s Team in 2006 in this integral role,” said COC President Michael Chambers. “His passion for sport, his experience in Salt Lake City, his many years of senior volunteer leadership and his experience as an athlete will be a tremendous asset to the Canadian Team.”

As Chef de Mission, Pearsall’s chief responsibility over the next two years will be to provide overall leadership to the Canadian Team attending the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.