AthletesCAN – Supporting the Voices of 2010 and Beyond

In support of our membership, Canada’s national team athletes embarking on one of the most important journeys of their lives, the 2010 Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, AthletesCAN is launching a new feature entitled ‘Supporting the Voices of 2010 and Beyond’ at www.athletescan.com for all Canadians to show their support.

“As the voice of Canada’s national team athletes, AthletesCAN must stand up for our members and support our sport partners”, says Andrew Nisker, President of AthletesCAN. “At the dawn of the 2010 Games, it is important that Canadians understand the financial challenges of our winter and summer athletes. These initiatives enable all Canadians to support our athletes, take pride in their country and become a part of the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth spirit.”

How can you support our Canadian athletes during this exciting time?

Financially…

The Canadian Olympic Foundation is a national charitable organization that provides Canadians with the first opportunity to support the success of high performance athletes across all Olympic and Paralympic sports. The Foundation is part of the Olympic family and works with all National Sport Organizations, from Alpine Canada to Skate Canada, Gymnastics Canada to Swimming Canada.

The Canadian Paralympic Foundation (CPF) is a registered Canadian charity whose vision is to raise funds to contribute to and enrich, through sport, the lives of Canadians with physical disabilities. The CPF is establishing a $10-million legacy fund to expand community, club and league participation in Paralympic sport.

The Commonwealth Games Foundation of Canada (CGFC) is the fundraising arm of the Commonwealth Games Association Canada. Incorporated in 1982, its mandate is to raise the funds required to send Canada’s team of athletes and support staff to the Commonwealth Games.

Through Canadian spirit and pride…

BELIEVE/IMAGINE Merchandise

The BELIEVE / IMAGINE campaign was created by Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium as a rallying cry designed to galvanize Canadians around Vancouver 2010 and has helped build an emotional connection to our Olympic hopefuls. Due to a strong demand for BELIEVE / IMAGINE merchandise from Canadians who want to show their support, exclusive BELIEVE / IMAGINE apparel is available now at CTVOlympics.ca/store and RDSolympiques.ca/boutique. A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting Canadian athletes as they strive for gold at Vancouver 2010. The initiative also gives Canadians the opportunity to show that they do BELIEVE – in Olympic and Paralympic heroes, the magic of the Games, and that Canada will win gold on home soil!

Paint the Town Red

Paint the Town Red is an invitation for all Canadians to join together to cheer our athletes on to victory in 2010. It’s a celebration that will take place in communities across Canada, from today straight through the Games. Fly the flag. Wear red. Paint your face. Make noise. Show your passion and your love of sport any way you want, and give our Olympic athletes the support they need to take them to the top of the podium in 2010.

Red Mitten Campaign

This winter, keep warm and show your support of Canadian athletes in their quest for gold at the 2010 Winter Games by wearing a pair of Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens. Wear your mittens at the rink, schoolyard or along the Olympic Torch Relay route when it comes to your community. At only $10, the Red Mittens are one of the must-have mementos of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Net proceeds from every pair sold go toward supporting Canadian athletes in gaining access to top equipment and training.

Support Canada’s 2010 Commonwealth Games athletes through MUSIC!

Through a fundraising partnership between FundTunes and Universal Music Canada, Commonwealth Games Canada is offering you the opportunity to purchase your favourite tracks for your music collection, and raise money for Canada’s Commonwealth Games athletes at the same time! Now you can buy music online at FundTunes.com and each song purchased will help send a Canadian athlete to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India next October! Make your music purchases really count and show your support Canada!

Join us at AthletesCAN in our commitment to Painting the Town Red while sporting our Red Mittens across the country! Visit www.athletescan.com/Content/2010%20and%20Beyond/2010%20and%20Beyond%20Homepage.asp?langid=1 to see how we’re doing it.

AthletesCAN has spirit…now let’s see yours Canada!