June 24, 2009 – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) recognizes International Olympic Day (June 23), honouring the birth of the modern Olympic Movement, just eight months prior to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games arriving in Vancouver. Excitement is brewing across the country as Canada prepares for its third role as Olympic host, welcoming the world’s top winter athletes to the spectacular venues of Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond. Canadian athletes, fresh from a winter season marked by tremendous successes and breakthrough moments, are busy training both in Canada and around the world this summer as they hone their skills and ride the momentum that will lead into the 2009-2010 winter season.

“It’s the perfect day to reflect on the reasons behind the incredible dedication of our athletes who train and compete across the globe, de facto ambassadors of Canada,” said Michael Chambers, president of the COC. “The Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement are not only unique and special in what they represent, but they also reside in the hopes and dreams of so many people.”

Each year on June 23, Olympic Day commemorates the 1894 founding date of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the modern Olympic Movement, as well as the values that underpin it to this day. On this day 115 years ago, France’s Baron Pierre de Coubertin inspired a group of sport-minded individuals from many countries to consider a series of Games to be held in the future, along ideals that guide their organization. The IOC grew from this initial gathering.

The Canadian Olympic Team, which will officially be named early February 2010, is seeking unprecedented success next year in aiming to finish atop the standings with the most total medals won. In support of this goal, the Own the Podium program has for five years been firmly committed to providing resources, technology, leadership, training clinics, counselling, support and “Top-Secret” snow sport projects to athletes. Its aim: to give them the best possible chance for success in 2010.

In the last push before the 2010 Games, all Canadians from coast to coast have an opportunity to get involved in the excitement and support athletes through Own the Podium. Interested Canadians are encouraged to donate $20.10 at www.olympicfoundation.ca , funds that go directly toward helping our winter athletes prepare for our approaching “Home Games.” Such donations will help sustain momentum for the athletes and coaches and hopefully push them over the top as they seek to Paint the Town Red in February.

About the Canadian Olympic Committee
The COC is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada’s participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For more information, see the COC’s redeveloped website: www.olympic.ca.