June 1/20 12:13 pm - $5M Invested in High Performance Sport

Posted by Editoress on 06/1/20
 

On Monday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and Own the Podium (OTP) announced a $5 million investment in a phased return to high-performance sport.

The investment, made possible by the support of respective stakeholders, will be directed to areas where there is the greatest need as identified by the Return to Sport Task Force. The priority is to optimize safe and healthy environments for athletes to return to high-performance sport.

Led by OTP, the Return to Sport Task Force has developed a National Framework of minimum standards based on current evidence, and guidelines from the provincial, territorial, and federal health authorities. The National Framework focuses on 'how' the reintroduction of sport activity will occur in a responsible manner from an athlete, coach, and practitioner perspective.

The framework, alongside this investment, is believed to signal the beginning of a recovery plan for sport, which is ingrained in Canadian culture.

Matt Jeffries, Executive Director of Cycling Canada, said to us, "We don't know a lot about the details of this funding yet and how it will ultimately impact us. We appreciate all the work that our sport partners and funding partners have done to support the sport community throughout the health crisis. We have submitted several cycling initiatives for potential funding under this program and we are waiting to hear whether they will be approved."

"A return to high-performance sport does not happen overnight, nor is there a one-stop solution," said David Shoemaker, CEO, Canadian Olympic Committee. "As Canada's high-performance athletes and coaches will soon return to training in pursuit of their Olympic and Paralympic dreams, we want them to be able to do so in a manner that is safe for them, their families, and their communities. Our focus currently is on investing in measures that optimize a healthy and safe return to training. As the environment changes, the funds will continue to invest in key priorities identified by our medical and technical experts."

"We are incredibly pleased with this collaborative approach to look at solutions for returning to high-performance sport. Together, we are committed to supporting the sport community, and it is so important to get this right. The financial investment is a great first step forward in the recovery plan, and we will continue to work towards a return to sport based on expert recommendations, with a clear priority of ensuring our athletes, coaches, and support teams are in a safe and healthy environment for themselves and their families," said Karen O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee.