October 13, 2004 – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) expressed
support for the Martin government’s announcement earlier today of a $19.1
million investment in Canada’s high performance sport system.

“We welcome the injection of an additional $19 million into the sport system
to support high performance athletes and coaches,” said Chris Rudge, COC
chief executive officer. “We also urge the government to make this
permanent, sustainable funding for the future as part of the annual federal
budget for sport.”

Rudge said the COC also had some specific recommendations to discuss with
Minister of State (Sport ) Stephen Owen regarding the long-term needs of the
high performance sport community to help Canada achieve success at upcoming
Olympic Games and other international sport competitions.

“In the next few weeks, I’ll be discussing with Minister Owen the COCís
recommendations for the proposal he is intending to bring forward to Cabinet
very soon,”said Rudge.