FREDERICTON, June 23, 2012 /CNW/ - RBC Olympian Vicky LeBlanc is giving back to her community by choosing Richard LeBlanc, member of Softball N.B., to receive $5,000 through the RBC Olympians Grant Program. For the first time, RBC is offering its 37 Olympic and Paralympic athletes the opportunity to recognize the organizations and people who have impacted their lives.
The RBC Olympians Grant Program provides athletes with a $5,000 grant to give to an athletic association, community group or charity that has fostered their love of sport, helped them realize their Olympic/Paralympic aspirations or has touched their lives. Athletes will present their grants to the recipient groups and organizations in their communities leading-up to and following the 2012 London Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The grant to Richard LeBlanc is being announced in a special presentation at Softball N.B.'s 2012 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies.
"My path to the Olympic Games was not a solo journey. It involved the support and guidance of many to help me realize and pursue my dreams," said Vicky LeBlanc, RBC Olympian. "Richard was my personal coach while I played on the Canadian National Team. I truly feel his world-class coaching skills and dedication gave me the edge to perform at the international level. I'm thrilled to thank and recognize Richard for helping set me up for success and give the next generation of young athletes the chance to do the same."
Softball N.B. promotes softball in all areas of the province for the enjoyment of all registered members from playground to podium.
"Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes demonstrate that the power of sport can inspire youth and bring Canadians together," said Kim Mason, regional president, Atlantic Provinces, RBC. "The RBC Olympians Grant Program is a unique initiative that exemplifies our commitment to our athletes by giving them the chance to personally acknowledge those that helped them achieve success on the world podium and become the national role models they are today."
As Canada's longest standing corporate supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team, RBC has been helping amateur athletes since 1947. Through the RBC Olympians program, athletes act as community ambassadors across the country by sharing their Olympic and Paralympic Games experiences and future aspirations with schools, community groups, RBC clients and employees.
To recognize that every Olympic and Paralympic athlete is the pride of their hometown, RBC will be launching a national campaign to connect Canadians with their hometown heroes who will be competing in London this summer. RBC will encourage the nation to show its support by participating in a cross-country initiative that will allow Canadians from coast-to-coast to cheer for our athletes as they make their way to the London and celebrate their achievements when they return home from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Full details about the campaign will be announced shortly.
More information on the RBC Olympians can be found at rbc.com/community-sustainability/community/olympic-sponsors/rbc-olympians.html.
RBC and Amateur Sport
As Canada's longest-standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1947, RBC proudly continues its sponsorship through to London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016. RBC also sponsored the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. Supporting amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport associations, RBC helps in the development of amateur athletes who compete at home and abroad. RBC is also a premier sponsor of Hockey Canada, the Canadian Snowboard Team, the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team, Athletics Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Visit rbc.com/sponsorship.
Trish Vardy, Public Affairs, Atlantic Region, RBC, (902) 421-4105, [email protected]
Share this article