Canadian Olympic Committee Congratulates Government's Support of Own The
Podium Program

TORONTO , Sept. 25 /CNW/ - The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) congratulates the Government of Canada on its announcement earlier today that it will assist its national funding partners by assuming payment of $11 million in funding for the Own the Podium 2010 initiative (OTP 2010). The Honourable Gary Lunn , Minister of State (Sport), made the announcement as the COC hosted its 2009 Whistler Golf Tournament presented by Bell at the Whistler Golf Club and the Westin Resort & Spa.

"Our team is in its final preparations for these Games and the funding provided by the Government of Canada is a very positive step towards securing success in 2010 and a lasting legacy post-Games," said Chris Rudge , COC Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General. "The Canadian Olympic Committee is thankful to Minister Lunn and the federal government for their continued commitment to Own The Podium and support of Canada's high performance athletes."

OTP 2010 is a $110 million sport technical program designed to help Canadian winter athletes achieve unprecedented medal success by finishing first overall (in total medals) at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The program is a partnership with all 13 of Canada's winter National Sport Federations and their sport partners, including the COC, the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee (VANOC), Sport Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Canada's results on the international scene have steadily increased since OTP 2010's inception in 2005. Canada finished 3rd in total medals at the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games, 2nd in overall World Cup podiums in 2007-08 and first in overall World Championship podiums (29) in 2008-09.

For more information on Own the Podium 2010, visit www.ownthepodium2010.com.

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, Phone: [phone], Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]