Canadian Olympic Committee Congratulates Provincial and Federal Governments'
Support of the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific

TORONTO, Sept. 27 /CNW/ - The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) congratulates the Governments of Canada and British Columbia on their announcement earlier today of an investment totalling $1.3 million to the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific.

The financial commitment of $650,000 from the federal government, with an additional $650,000 matched by the Province of British Columbia, enables the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific's locations in Victoria and Whistler to deliver critical programming. More specifically, this investment will enable them to improve sport coaching and programming, provide athletes with additional access to facilities, enhance sport science and medicine services, and improve equipment and program leadership.

As a leader in the high performance sport community in Canada, the COC provides significant financial and program support to athletes, coaches, National Sport Federations and Canadian Sport Centres. Since 2005 alone, the COC has contributed more than $1.2 million to the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific directed through the Own the Podium program and through its own fundraising initiatives, which includes more than $100,000 from its annual golf tournament in Whistler.

"With our collective achievements from the 2010 Games, we've seen what we can deliver as a nation," said COC Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General Jean R. Dupré. "This added support brings Canada one step closer to the COC's ultimate goal of making Canada a leading nation in both winter and summer sport."

For the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games, the COC has targeted a top-12 finish among all nations in total medal count.

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]