The Canadian Olympic Committee revealed a 10-year strategic blueprint on Monday to fortify its objective of reshaping Canada through the influence of sports. Known as Team Canada 2035, the initiative entails an investment exceeding $500 million over the upcoming decade, predominantly sourced from the COC’s 39 marketing associates and donors of the Canadian Olympic Foundation.
David Shoemaker, the CEO and secretary general of the COC, emphasized the significance of sports to Canadians and the nation’s identity. The plan, while not resolving all funding gaps within the sports system, aims to allocate private funds to areas where athletes can benefit the most.
Team 2035 revolves around three core pillars with the goal of positioning Canada as a leading sporting nation globally. These pillars are:
– Podium: Striving to rank among the top five nations in combined medal count at the Summer and Winter Olympics.
– Play: Encouraging and involving an additional one million young individuals in organized sports.
– Planet: Advocating for climate action to safeguard sporting environments.
The objectives were formulated in consultation with the Canadian sports system and will be implemented in partnership with national sports organizations and other stakeholders in the sports ecosystem. The COC aims to enhance the Canadian sports system by ensuring better funding, coordination, and sustainability while promoting safe, inclusive, and barrier-free sports for all participants.
Various initiatives aligned with the Team Canada 2035 strategy include sustained funding for national sports organizations, innovative high-performance supports, and driving youth participation in organized sports. Collaborative efforts with marketing partners, like the Bell Starting Line program, are also underway to support newcomer youth engagement in sports.
Leaders in the sports community, such as Volleyball Canada CEO Mark Eckert and COC Athletes’ Commission chair Philippe Marquis, have expressed support for the ambitious 10-year strategic plan. They believe it will elevate the sports system by placing athletes at the core and inspire others to rally behind the initiative.
Moreover, the Canadian Olympic Foundation CEO Jacqueline Ryan and Canada Snowboard CEO Dustin Heise have lauded the COC’s commitment to supporting athletes nationwide and advancing sports participation and environmental preservation within the winter sports landscape.