November 02, 2013 (Calgary, AB) – Today, the Canadian Olympic Foundation (COF) continues its partnership with Gold Medal Plates (GMP) with a much anticipated event at the Telus Convention Centre. It is the sixth of the 10-city, cross-country series of fundraisers to raise funds for high performance sport in Canada.

“Funds raised by Gold Medal Plates are essential if we are to provide Canada’s athletes with the best possible chance at reaching the podium,” said Jennifer Botteril, four-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medallist. “It has been amazing to see the people of Calgary out to support their country’s athletes and city’s culinary teams.”

“Calgary has always delivered when Gold Medal Plates has come to town,” said Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee. “From the excellent turn out, it is clear that the people of Calgary truly value our country’s athletes and understand that it takes a village to raise a champion.”

In the afternoon, Olympians stopped by Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta to share the Olympic Movement with the families and patients living there. Ronald McDonald House provides a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children who are being treated at nearby children’s hospitals.

“There are so many young, yet brave children here at Ronald McDonald House in Southern Alberta that need some fun and sunshine in their day during this challenging time for them and their families,” said Jason Parker, Turin 2006, Olympic silver medallist.

“They are so courageous, it is an absolute honour as an Olympian to have the opportunity to help bring joy to the lives of these amazing and inspiring kids and families.”

In addition to Botterill and Parker, numerous other Canadian Olympians were also in attendance at the evening’s fundraising event, including: Lindsay Alcock, Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Skeleton; Michelle Cameron Coulter, Seoul 1988, Aquatics-Synchronized Swimming; Jeff Christie, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Luge; Ian Cockerline, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Luge; Chandra Crawford, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Cross Country Skiing; Rosanna Crawford, Vancouver 2010, Biathlon; Devon Diggle, Beijing 2008, Aquatics-Waterpolo; Nathan Gafuik, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Gymnastics-Artistic; Amy Gough, Vancouver 2010, Skeleton; Thomas Grandi, Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998 Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Alpine Skiing; Brendan Green, Vancouver 2010, Biathlon; Michelle Kelly, Salt Lake City 2002, Vancouver 2010, Skeleton; Kelly Kryczka-Irwin, Los Angeles 1984, Aquatics-Synchronized Swimming; Regan Lauscher, Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Luge; Jesse Lumsden, Vancouver 2010, Bobsleigh; Kerrin Lee-Gartner, Calgary 1988, Albertville 1992, Lillehammer 1994, Alpine Skiing; Catriona Le May Doan, Albertville 1992, Lillehammer 1994, Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, Speed Skating-Long Track; Marie-Ève Marleau, Beijing 2008, Aquatics-Diving; Chris Moffat, Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Luge; Mike Moffat, Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Luge; Heather Moyse, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Bobsleigh; Jason Myslicki, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Nordic Combined; Tim Ponting, Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, Aquatics; Eric Pothier, Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Luge; Robin Randall, Beijing 2008, Water Polo; Ken Read, Innsbruck 1976, Lake Placid 1980, Alpine Skiing; Shannon Rempel, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Speed Skating-Long Track; Sara Renner, Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Cross Country Skiing; Beckie Scott, Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Cross Country Skiing; Kyle Shewfelt, Sydney 2000, Athens, 2004, Beijing 2008, Gymnastics-Artistic; Oluseyi Smith, London 2012, Athletics; Brad Spence, Vancouver 2010, Alpine Skiing; Helen Upperton, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Bobsleigh; Greg Williscroft, Barcelona 1992, Volleyball-Indoor; Adam Wong, Beijing 2008, Gymnastics-Artistic

Similar events are scheduled to take place in Victoria, Saskatoon, St. John’s and Ottawa. The first five events took place in Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Regina. Net proceeds will support high performance athletes through programs such as Own the Podium.

About the Canadian Olympic Foundation:
Established in 2007, the Canadian Olympic Foundation gives to priority partners that drive high performance athletic achievement for Canada’s Olympic podium potentials and for our next generation of Olympic athletes. The Foundation also funds athlete, coaching, and sport awards and scholarships. Learn more at olympicfoundation.ca.

About Gold Medal Plates:
Founded in 2003, the goal of Gold Medal Plates is to raise substantial funds for Canada’s high performance athletes, while celebrating Canadian excellence. Since 2004, this event has received tremendous support and accolades all across Canada, and generated a combined net total of $7.2 million for Canada’s Olympic athletes! For more information, visit the Gold Medal Plates website www.goldmedalplates.com.