Canadian Olympic Golf Tournament Set to Raise Funds for Canadian Athletes

COC Fundraiser Enters 8th Year

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WHISTLER, BC, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) today hosts its 8th annual Canadian Olympic Golf Tournament presented by Bell, an important fundraiser benefiting the Canadian Olympic Team through the Canadian Olympic Foundation. The private tournament returns to the spectacular Whistler Golf Club for the eighth consecutive year, and is followed by a gala dinner, including live and silent auctions, at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler.

Since 2002, this renowned event has raised over $1.8 million for high performance athletes. The funds are directed to the development of athletes, both Olympians and Olympic hopefuls, who train year-round to represent Canada in its mission to be among the world's top Olympic nations.

"We are delighted to have so many corporate partners, sport community members and supporters of the Olympic Movement joining us today in our efforts to raise valuable funds for the Canadian Olympic Team," said Canadian Olympic Committee CEO Jean R. Dupré. "It's also great for our athletes to get out in the community and witness first-hand the tremendous support from our many partners."

At this year's event, 14 summer and winter Olympians will golf alongside participants and attend the evening gala, hosted by CTV Senior Reporter-News Anchor Mike Killeen. Among the Olympians are five 2010 medallists: Ashleigh McIvor, Denny Morrison, Chris Le Bihan, Helen Upperton and Shelley-Ann Brown. The athletes will have the valuable opportunity of mixing with Olympic sponsors and supporters of the Olympic Movement, generating networking opportunities and building relationships.

Throughout the day, the Whistler course will be filled with Olympic and Pan American hopefuls partaking in sport demonstrations, such as beach volleyball in the sand traps and fencing on the greens. A swell of contests will run among the holes, such as 'Beat the Archer', 'Olympic Drive' and 'Longest Drive'. The evening brings a cocktail reception, dinner and awards ceremony, along with auctions of unique Olympic-themed bid items and special prize raffles.

The Canadian Olympic Committee is grateful to its sponsors, partners, donors and suppliers for their generous support of this tournament and commitment to Canadian high performance sport.

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 (@CDN OlympicTeam).

For further information:

Isabelle Hodge
Canadian Olympic Committee
Manager, Media Relations
Cel: [phone]
Email:  [email protected]