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COC logo Statement

Canadian Olympic Committee pledges $1 million to complement federal investment in safe sport education

TORONTO (May 11, 2023) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) applauds today’s announcement of increased investment in sport reform by Federal Minister for Sport Pascale St-Onge. 

To help accelerate change, the COC will match the federal government’s investment of $1M in funding for education about the national code to prevent abuse in sport. 

“Our purpose is to transform Canada through the power of sport and that can only happen if sport is done right,” said David Shoemaker, CEO and Secretary General of the COC. “Actions like those announced today are essential for building a stronger system and showing Canadians that sport is an incredible force for positive change. That is why I’m so pleased to share that the COC will be matching the government’s $1 million investment in UCCMS education.” 

The COC also wants to highlight the importance of the elected athlete representatives who have been critical in advocating for athlete rights and bringing the athlete’s voice forward. The leadership of the COC Athletes’ Commission, the Canadian Paralympic Committee Athletes Council and AthletesCAN is globally respected and it is thanks in large part to their diligent work that we’re able to make the progress we’re seeing today. 

“This announcement and the COC’s matching funds will help implement solutions critical to athlete safety and sport system reform,” said Rosie MacLennan, two-time Olympic champion and chair of the COC Athletes’ Commission. “Together with the CPC Athletes Council, AthletesCAN and the minister’s office we have been working constructively on behalf of Canada’s Olympic, Paralympic and National Team Athletes to make meaningful changes to how sport is run in Canada and to ensure athletes truly are at the centre of the system. There is still much more to do, but progress is being made.” 

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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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