Canadian Paralympic Committee commends the Government of Canada on appointing
John Furlong as Chair of the newly created Own the Podium Advisory Board

VANCOUVER, May 21 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) commends the commitment of the Government of Canada to continuing the momentum created by the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games with the appointment of John Furlong as Chair of the newly created Own the Podium Advisory Board.

"We welcome the news from the Minister of State for Sport, the Honorable Gary Lunn, of his plans to strengthen the leadership in Canadian sport by appointing John Furlong as chair of the Own the Podium Advisory Board," said CPC President, Ms. Carla Qualtrough. "Paralympic sport in Canada now enjoys unprecedented support from government. It is critical that this is accompanied by the appropriate expertise and leadership, and we look forward to working with John, as well as all the new Board members to achieve this."

By working with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the National Sporting Organisations to allocate funding and create performance targets, Own the Podium is a key partner in the success of Paralympic sport in Canada. During the Vancouver quadrennial, Own the Podium invested $10.1 million in the five Paralympic winter sports and set a goal of a top three finish. With 10 gold medals - the most ever for Canada at a winter Games - and 19 medals overall, the Canadian Paralympic Team achieved this goal and delivered Canada's best Paralympic Winter Games finish.

"Under John Furlong's leadership, the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games were the most successful ever, setting the standard for performance, accessibility and inclusion," Ms Qualtrough added. "We are confident that the same commitment will be applied to managing Own the Podium's investment in preparing Canadian Paralympic athletes for success at the London 2012 and Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games."

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is a non-profit, private organization with 43 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement by empowering Canadians with a disability through sport. The CPC is responsible for managing the team of athletes who represent Canada at Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the CPC inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by our members. For more information visit, www.paralympic.ca, and follow the CPC on Facebook and Twitter.

À propos du Comité paralympique canadien

Le Comité paralympique canadien (CPC) est un organisme privé à but non lucratif comprenant 43 organisations sportives membres qui sont dévouées à améliorer le Mouvement paralympique en renforçant l'autonomie des Canadiens handicapés par la pratique sportive. Le CPC est responsable de la gestion de l'équipe des athlètes qui représentent le Canada aux Jeux paralympiques. En appuyant les athlètes paralympiques canadiens et en faisant la promotion de leur réussite, le CPC incite tous les Canadiens qui ont un handicap à pratiquer des sports au moyen des programmes offerts par nos membres. Pour plus de renseignements, visitez www.paralympic.ca; et n'oubliez pas de suivre le CPC sur Facebook et Twitter.

For further information: Anna Parisi, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Chief of Communications, [email protected], [phone]