February 15, 2005 – Olympians as well as members of the Canadian
Olympic Committee (COC), Sport Matters, the Canadian Paralympic Committee
(CPC) and representatives of Canada’s National Sport Federations are on
Parliament Hill today to advocate for increased funding for sport in Canada.

The group is meeting with Ministers, government Members of Parliament, and
Opposition Sport Critics to request additional funding in the 2005 budget
to help Canadian athletes reach the podium at upcoming Olympic Games.

Who: Michael Chambers, President, COC; Chris Rudge, CEO, COC; Eric Bédard, Olympian, Short Track Speed Skating, 1998 / 2002 (two gold and
bronze); Therese Brisson, Olympian, Ice Hockey, 1998 / 2002 (silver, gold); Cheryl Pounder, Olympian, Ice Hockey, 2002 (gold; Annie Pelletier, Olympian, Diving, 1996 (bronze); Hervé Lord, Paralympian, Sledge Hockey, 1994 / 1998; Mark Lowry, Executive Director Sport, COC; Brian MacPherson, Director General, CPC; Victor Lachance, Senior Leader, Sport Matters Group; Anne Merklinger, Director General, Canadian Canoe Association.

What: Sport Community “Lobby Day”
Where: Parliament Hill
When: Tuesday, February 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

There will be opportunities to interview participants throughout the day.