COC Athletes’ Commission Applauds IOC’s Fit for the Future Olympian Grant

TORONTO (June 30, 2026) –  The Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission (COCAC) has issued the following statement:

The Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission (COCAC) applauds the announcement at the 146th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Lausanne by Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission Pau Gasol of the IOC’s Fit for the Future Olympian Grant. It represents a monumental step forward in recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of all Olympians. This initiative reflects a clear commitment to equity, ensuring that every athlete, regardless of their podium result, receives the support and recognition they deserve. It aligns with the needs of athletes worldwide, and is a clear indication that the athletes’ voice was truly heard through surveys and consultations.

More than 200 Team Canada Olympians who competed in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games are expected to be eligible for the grant of USD 10,000. The Fit for the Future Olympian Grant complements the IOC’s existing athlete support programs that Canadian athletes benefit from, including Athletes’ Commission grants, Olympic Solidarity funding, and Athlete365 programming and services. 

We share in the excitement surrounding the IOC’s strategic direction and eagerly anticipate further details on how it will empower athletes across the globe. The IOC’s approach demonstrates a forward-thinking vision that prioritizes the well-being and experience of Olympians. We are proud of the leadership shown by IOC AC Vice-Chair – two-time Canadian Olympian Oluseyi Smith – and the rest of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

In Canada, we are equally energized by the progress of the Canadian Olympic Committee’s athlete strategy, arising from the findings of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s final report, the Team Canada 2035 strategic plan, the COC’s existing direct-to-athlete supports and the recent generational investment of $755 million led by Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Secretary of State for Sport, Adam van Koeverden. Additionally, the Canadian Olympic Foundation granted a total of $7.3M to support the Canadian sport system and Team Canada athletes in the year leading into Milano Cortina 2026. These actions collectively underscore Canada’s leadership in supporting athletes at every stage of their journey.

On behalf of the COC Athletes’ Commission, we extend our deepest gratitude to the IOC and the IOC Athletes’ Commission for their leadership in making this initiative a reality. We also commend President Coventry and the Fit for the Future process for listening to athletes and taking bold steps to address the evolving needs of the Olympic community.

Thank you, 

COC Athletes’ Commission
athletescommission@olympic.ca

About the COC Athletes’ Commission
The COC Athletes’ Commission is an elected group of Olympic athletes who represent the voice of Canadian Olympic athletes to the Canadian Olympic Committee Board of Directors, to Sport Canada, to the International Olympic Committee, international sport federations and all other domestic sport organizations. It is instrumental in presenting Canadian athletes’ perspectives in areas ranging from athlete rights, safe sport policies, marketing & COC partnership agreements, Olympic team selection policies and much more. 

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Maxwell Lattimer, Chair
Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission
E: mlattimer@olympic.ca

Vanessa Lee, Director, Communications & Media Relations
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 514-216-1417
E: vlee@olympic.ca