RBC launches annual RBC Olympian Program for Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes

RBC today announced it is seeking carded national team athletes or retired Olympians and Paralympians for its RBC Olympians Program, which provides athletes with the opportunity to work and gain valuable skills, while continuing to compete and prepare for life after sport.

“The RBC Olympians Program helps Canadian athletes succeed, whether we’re competing for Canada or starting a new career,” said Kristi Richards, RBC Olympian and 2007 Freestyle Skiing World Champion. “Being an RBC Olympian helped me manage the pressures of juggling finances and training, by providing a steady income and flexible work environment while also giving me a chance to reach out into the community and share my experiences.”

RBC Olympians act as community ambassadors, sharing their past experiences and Olympic dreams with schools, community groups, RBC clients and employees. They also work to create awareness and support for amateur sport in Canada and inspire the next generation to be physically fit and participate in sports at any level.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of RBC’s support for the Canadian Olympic Movement. The RBC Olympians Program is a part of RBC’s overall commitment to amateur athletes in Canada. Since the program inception in 2002, RBC has had over 35 Olympic and Paralympic athletes participate in the program including: Andrea Holmes, Athletics, 2004 Paralympian; Blythe Hartley, Diving, 2004 Olympic Bronze medalist; Jason Dunkerly, Athletics 2004 Paralympian; Jennifer Botterill, Ice Hockey, 2006 Olympic Gold medalist; and Perdita Felicien, Athletics, 2004 Olympian.

“As Canada’s longest standing corporate supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team, RBC continues to put athletes first though initiatives such as the RBC Olympians Program,” said Chris Rudge, chief executive officer, Canadian Olympic Committee. “The RBC Olympians Program provides Canada’s athletes with key financial support to help them in their quest to reach the podium while also providing an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience as they prepare to transition into a career after sport.”

Carded national team athletes or retired Olympians and Paralympians are eligible to apply for the RBC Olympians Program in main urban centres across Canada for a contract term of 12 months beginning in September 2007. The deadline for applications is July 13, 2007. More information on the RBC Olympians Program can be found at www.rbc.com/sponsorship/rbcolympians.

RBC AND AMATEUR SPORT
RBC sponsors amateur sport, from grassroots events in local communities to national sport associations that support the development of amateur athletes who compete at home and abroad. As the longest-standing supporter of Canada’s Olympic Team, since 1947, RBC continues this sponsorship to include the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. RBC is also a Premier Sponsor of Hockey Canada, the Canadian Snowboard Team, the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team, Athletics Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.