Canadian Paralympic Committee applauds Anne Merklinger's appointment as new CEO of Own The Podium

Distinguished sports administrator has extensive Paralympic experience

OTTAWA, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee would like to extend a warm congratulations to Anne Merklinger, named CEO of the Own The Podium program today.

A passionate, creative, and inspiring leader, Anne has more than 20 years of management experience with national sport organizations. During her term as Director General of CanoeKayak Canada, she also worked for the Commission for Inclusion of Athletes with a Disability and the Canadian Federation of Sport Organizations for the Disabled, which was the precursor to the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"On behalf of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, we welcome Anne to her new role and celebrate her appointment today," said Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "Anne's exceptional expertise will no doubt help us continue to nurture and grow the Paralympic Movement in Canada, as we work towards the goal of becoming the world's leading Paralympic nation and as we prepare teams for London 2012, Sochi 2014 and beyond."

Own The Podium is a key partner of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and was instrumental in Team Canada's success at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games, where Canada placed third in the gold medal count. With the support of Own The Podium, Canada is aiming for a top-eight finish in the gold medal count at the London 2012 Paralympic Summer Games.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

Mark Dottori
Director, Marketing and Communications
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: [phone] ext. 242
Cell: 613-294-5961
[email protected]

Alison Korn
Manager, Media Relations
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: [phone] ext. 243
Cell: 613-298-4927
[email protected]

Web: Paralympic.ca
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