A new Canadian Sport and Funding Partnership is Formed

VANCOUVER — The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and the Canadian Sport Institute Network (CSIN) announced on Wednesday a substantial partnership and high performance sport funding agreement.

The new multi-year, $3 million direct investment will be provided by the COC and the Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF), along with additional funds from the CPC, to the CSIN in order to assist in its mandate of delivering world-class, multi-sport daily training environments through enhancements introduced in sports science, medicine and research and innovation. Building on the significant support provided by the Government of Canada and various provincial governments to the CSIs, this new partnership will keep Team Canada and athletes at the forefront of training, preparation and innovation.

In an effort to improve awareness of the critical role that the CSIN plays in preparing Canadian athletes, coaches and Integrated Support Team (IST) members for participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Pan/Parapan American Games, the COC and CPC will extend the use of designated Olympic and Paralympic marks to the CSIN to be called the “Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network.” This brand alignment will allow CSIN members to demonstrate their key contribution to the preparation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes toward podium performances.

The aim of this new partnership is to strengthen and align Canada’s high performance sport system through a shared vision, areas of collaboration and new funding. The agreement includes: Canadian Sport Institute Pacific; Canadian Sport Institute Calgary; Canadian Sport Institute Ontario; Institut national du sport du Québec; Canadian Sport Centre Saskatchewan; Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba; and Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic.

This partnership initiative is anchored on the recognition that the CSIN holds the expertise in providing high performance services and programs to athletes, coaches and IST members. The new funding will be used to purchase new cutting edge equipment, hire new staff and supplement current practices in the areas of physical training, performance services enhancement and partnership servicing.

The CSIN is a key contributor to Canada’s world leading Olympic and Paralympic podium performances. This new agreement will last from 2014-2016.

QUOTES

“In order to compete with the best in the world, Canada’s athletes must continue to be adequately supported and provided the right environment to train and prepare for international competition. This exciting partnership and new funding will go a long way in ensuring world-class facilities and cutting edge equipment is available to Olympic, Paralympic and national team athletes across our country.”

Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee

 

“The Canadian Sport Institutes offer world-leading high-performance environments for athletic and coaching excellence and we know this new investment will further enhance Canada’s podium potential. We’re looking forward to working with all partners towards advancing opportunities and awareness for Canada’s top athletes and coaches as they prepare to compete at the highest level.”

Karen O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee

 

“We believe that the formation of the Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network demonstrates our collective desire to work together to provide a world class multi-sport daily training environment for athletes and coaches through expert leadership, services and programs. The combination of top athletes and coaches from across all sports, full time performance services experts and high performance facilities provides the conditions for future podium performances by Canada’s athletes.”

Ken Bagnell, Liaison, Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network

 

“An Olympic or Paralympic champion can be developed in every corner of this country if they have easy access to the proper tools and resources to support their pursuit of excellence. This investment and alignment builds on the solid foundation of funds established by the Government of Canada that will play another key role in helping to support more podium potential athletes from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”

Anne Merklinger, CEO, Own The Podium

 

“The Canadian Sport Centres are making a profound difference in the lives of Canadian athletes and coaches. Our Government is proud to have supported our nationwide network of Sport Centres from the very beginning, with $16 million in support this year alone. We commend the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee on their announcement of increased investment today. By working together to support this network, more athletes will have access to the invaluable programs and services it delivers, enabling them to perform to their potential.”

Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

 

“This announcement is great news for high performance athletes and hopefuls across Canada. Congratulations to all of those involved for this valuable contribution to our nation’s sport development system.”

Hon. Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural     Development

 

“As someone who has represented Canada at sports’ highest international level, I can attest to the importance of high-performance training and coaching. This additional support is welcomed by current athletes and coaches and will help our country prepare future generations of Olympians and Paralympians.”

Michelle Stilwell, MLA Parksville-Qualicum and three time Paralympic champion

 

“This is tremendous news for high-preforming amateur athletes across Canada. Before an athlete can win a medal, before they can qualify for international competition, before all of that, they have to log thousands of training hours.  Being able to train with the best athletes in the country at the best facilities will give our national teams a distinct advantage for future competitions.”

Christine Girard, 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, weightlifting

 

“This partnership will ensure that generations of Canadian athletes can reach their ultimate potential and achieve their dreams on the international stage.  This strengthened national approach to training will ultimately improve individual and team performances, resulting in more championships and medals.  I look forward to being a part of the results this initiative generates.”

John Moonlight, National Athlete, Rugby Canada

 

“A winning performance requires countless hours of hard work, continued guidance from my coaching staff and a world-class daily training environment. I’m fortunate to be inspired by world-class Olympians and Paralympians on an ongoing basis and receive the services needed to be the best in my sport. This motivates me to keep raising the bar of excellence.”

Josh Vander Vies, London 2012 Paralympic Games bronze medallist, boccia