Canadian Olympic Committee Matches 15 Olympians with 2010 Youth Olympic Team

Marks Launch of the Canadian Youth Olympic Team Mentorship Program

TORONTO, Aug. 13 /CNW/ - In the spirit of sport, friendship and community outreach, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has matched 15 Canadian Olympians with members of the 2010 Youth Olympic Team in the newly established Canadian Youth Olympic Team Mentorship Program.

Canada has sent a team of 61 athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 to this inaugural event in Singapore from August 14-26, which integrates sport, culture and education. To guide the young athletes through their first Olympic exposure, as well as inspire community outreach back in Canada, the COC created the Mentorship Program. It is a uniquely Canadian extension of the International Olympic Committee's Athlete Role Models program, which appoints Olympians as role models for Youth Olympians. Two Canadians, Charmaine Crooks and Beckie Scott, are among these IOC role models in Singapore and are also advisors to the COC's Mentorship Program.

Via email, Olympian mentors will motivate Youth Olympians to participate in the Culture and Education Program being unveiled in Singapore, and to play an active role in helping them inspire their local community. One main focus of the Mentorship Program post-Games is "Sports Day in Canada" (Sept. 18, 2010), for which Youth Olympians will be encouraged to share their Olympic experiences via community events and activities.

"Youth Olympians are learning the lesson of mentorship early in their lives and sporting careers - a lesson that will also be with them as these young athletes further their educations, enter the work force and start families," said Adam Kreek, mentor and Olympic champion rower with the men's eight in 2008.

"Having mentors in my life has been fundamental to all I have achieved. I am grateful to repay the favour."

The following Canadian Olympians - who have collectively won 18 Olympic medals - will serve as mentors, promoting Olympic values of peace, friendship and respect:

    
    -   Sylvie Frechette: Olympic gold and silver medallist, synchronized
        swimming
    -   Mathieu Giroux: Olympic gold medallist, speed skating
    -   Iain Brambell: Olympic bronze medallist, rowing
    -   Cassie Campbell: Olympic gold (2) and silver medallist, ice hockey
    -   Jeff Christie: Two-time Olympian, luge
    -   Charmaine Crooks: Olympic silver medallist, athletics
    -   Deidra Dionne: Olympic bronze medallist, freestyle skiing
    -   Adam Kreek: Olympic gold medallist, rowing
    -   Catriona Le May Doan: Olympic gold (2) and bronze medallist, speed
        skating
    -   Jason Myslicki: Two-time Olympian, Nordic combined
    -   Alexandra Orlando: 2008 Olympian, rhythmic gymnastics
    -   David Calder: Olympic silver medallist, rowing
    -   Marnie McBean: Olympic gold (3) and bronze medallist, rowing
    -   Diane Jones-Konihowski: Three-time Olympian, pentathlon
    -   Ingrid Liepa: Two-time Olympian, speed skating
    

About the Canadian Olympic Committee

The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For news and information, visit the COC website at www.olympic.ca and find the team on both Facebook (Canadian Olympic Team) and Twitter (@CDNOlympicTeam).

For further information: Isabelle Hodge, Manager, Media Relations, Canadian Olympic Committee, Tel. [phone], Email: [email protected]