RBC Olympians Clara Hughes, Perdita Felicien and Caroline Ouellette donate $15,000 to Right To Play

Canadian athletes pay it forward through the RBC Olympians Grant Program

TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - RBC Olympians Clara Hughes, Perdita Felicien and Caroline Ouellette have each donated a $5,000 RBC Olympian grant to Right To Play, a global organization that uses sport to empower children. The donations were made last night at a fundraising dinner held at grano restaurant in Toronto.

This year, RBC offered 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 donate to an athletic association, community group or charity that has fostered their love of sport or touched their lives.

"Sport has taught me many things and one of the most important is the idea of giving back, whether it's time, money or simply caring," said six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes. "The power of sport and play is something that transformed me as a young person and it is why I'm donating my grant to the PLAY programs in Ontario to help foster leadership in Aboriginal youth within First Nation communities."

Right To Play is an organization focused on using sport and play to educate and empower children and youth to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict, and disease in disadvantaged countries. Founded in 2000 by Johann Olav Koss, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and social entrepreneur, Right To Play helps children build essential life skills and better futures.To learn more visit www.righttoplay.ca.

"Right To Play was the clear choice for me when it was time to pick my RBC grant recipient," said Perdita Felicien, a two-time world champion. "Sport has changed my life for the better and I've seen first hand how Right To Play programs have positively impacted the lives of children around the world."

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Caroline Ouellette agreed, "I'm very excited for this opportunity to give back. I was able to witness first hand in Benin, Africa, the benefits of Right To Play in the lives of children in disadvantaged communities and I'm very proud to be a part of the RBC program and to give back to Right To Play."

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. More information on the RBC Olympians can be found at rbc.com/community-sustainability/community/olympic-sponsors/rbc-olympians.html

Image with caption: "RBC Olympians Caroline Ouellette, Perdita Felicien and Clara Hughes present Right To Play National Director Robert Witchel with a $15,000 donation as part of the RBC Olympian Grant Program. (CNW Group/RBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121129_C4710_PHOTO_EN_21355.jpg

SOURCE: RBC

Jackie Braden, Director, Brand Communications, 416 974-1724