RBC launches annual RBC Olympian Program for Canadian Olympic
and Paralympic athletes
Provides funding, flexible work arrangements and opportunities
to share experiences with Canadians
TORONTO, June 18, 2007 — RBC today announced
it is seeking carded national team athletes or retired Olympians
and Paralympians for its RBC Olympians Program, which provides
athletes with the opportunity to work and gain valuable skills,
while continuing to compete and prepare for life after sport.
"The RBC Olympians Program helps Canadian athletes succeed,
whether we're competing for Canada or starting a new career,"
said Kristi Richards, RBC Olympian and 2007 Freestyle Skiing
World Champion. "Being an RBC Olympian helped me manage
the pressures of juggling finances and training, by providing
a steady income and flexible work environment while also giving
me a chance to reach out into the community and share my experiences."
RBC Olympians act as community ambassadors, sharing their
past experiences and Olympic dreams with schools, community
groups, RBC clients and employees. They also work to create
awareness and support for amateur sport in Canada and inspire
the next generation to be physically fit and participate in
sports at any level.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of RBC's support for
the Canadian Olympic Movement. The RBC Olympians Program is
a part of RBC's overall commitment to amateur athletes in
Canada. Since the program inception in 2002, RBC has had over
35 Olympic and Paralympic athletes participate in the program
including: Andrea Holmes, Athletics, 2004 Paralympian; Blythe
Hartley, Diving, 2004 Olympic Bronze medalist; Jason Dunkerly,
Athletics 2004 Paralympian; Jennifer Botterill, Ice Hockey,
2006 Olympic Gold medalist; and Perdita Felicien, Athletics,
2004 Olympian.
"As Canada's longest standing corporate supporter of
the Canadian Olympic Team, RBC continues to put athletes first
though initiatives such as the RBC Olympians Program,"
said Chris Rudge, chief executive officer, Canadian Olympic
Committee. "The RBC Olympians Program provides Canada's
athletes with key financial support to help them in their
quest to reach the podium while also providing an excellent
opportunity to gain valuable work experience as they prepare
to transition into a career after sport."
Carded national team athletes or retired Olympians and Paralympians
are eligible to apply for the RBC Olympians Program in main
urban centres across Canada for a contract term of 12 months
beginning in September 2007. The deadline for applications
is July 13, 2007. More information on the RBC Olympians Program
can be found at www.rbc.com/sponsorship/rbcolympians.
RBC AND AMATEUR SPORT
RBC sponsors amateur sport, from grassroots events in local
communities to national sport associations that support the
development of amateur athletes who compete at home and abroad.
As the longest-standing supporter of Canada's Olympic Team,
since 1947, RBC continues this sponsorship to include the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 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.
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For more information or for an interview with a past member
of the RBC Olympians Program, please contact:
Jackie Braden, RBC media relations, 416-974-2124
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