Achieving Dreams - Supporting Athletes Since 1947

1947

Royal Bank made its first contribution to the Canadian Olympic Association, helping the Olympic team get to the games in St. Moritz Switzerland.

1974

A large part of the Montreal Olympic Games financing came from the sale of Olympic coins. In 1974, Royal Bank sold coins in branches across the country, and helped demonstrate a new and practical way by which small countries could host future Olympic Games. Three percent of the face value of all coins sold in Canada was turned over to the Olympic Trust, which used the funds to support major programs to prepare Canadian athletes for competition in the upcoming 1976 games.

1988

Royal Bank was appointed the Official Bank of the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games and introduced an Olympic Coin Fundraiser Contest to assist amateur sports clubs and other non-profit organizations in Canada raise money for their programs, while helping to support the XV Olympic Winter Games and Canadian athletes.

Royal Bank is named the Official Bank in Canada of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

2002

In 2002, RBC became a Community Contributor to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Bid.

That same year, RBC launched the RBC Olympians program in B.C., hiring 5 elite athletes as community ambassadors bringing the positive Olympic message to B.C. communities in support of the bid. The RBC Olympians program provided flexible, career-oriented work experience that accommodating busy training and competition schedules, while providing much needed funding for training and competition. In 2004, RBC expanded the program hiring a total of 19 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from across the country. RBC hopes to renew it’s commitment to this program by expanding to up to 50 athletes leading up to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and beyond, helping Canada’s Olympic athletes own the podium.

In 2002, the RBC Olympians travelled with the Spirit of 2010 Tour, to 44 B.C. communities in 60 days building enthusiasm and raising awareness for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the potential economic stimulus that the games could bring to B.C. Until July 2, 2003 when the International Olympic Committee decided on the 2010 host city.

RBC was presented with The National Team Support Award from the Spirit of Sport Foundation at the 29th Annual Canadian Sports Awards. The award was given in recognition of RBC's "significant contribution to Canada's sport community". Athletics Canada, nominated RBC for the award.

• Learn more about our legacy of support.