OTTAWA—Dennis Blinn will join Own the Podium as the organization’s new Vice President, Partnerships, Finance and Administration on May 16, 2022.

The accomplished and strategic sport leader has contributed extensively to sport in Canada while working in a variety of senior positions for the Government of Canada related to the Olympic and Paralympic movement in the country over the last two decades. Most recently, Blinn has been the Director of High Performance Sport and Major Games for Sport Canada since 2015 where he spearheaded the development of the Canadian High Performance Sport Strategy, and helped reform Sport Canada’s approach to evaluating the health of the sport system.

“Dennis is a pragmatic leader who is a proven performer in the world of government and sport in Canada,” said Anne Merklinger, Chief Executive Officer, Own the Podium. “He brings a wealth of experience, along with a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing national sport organizations. His 

passion for sport, organizational management, financial accountability and extensive relationships in the Canadian sport system combined with his knowledge of Own the Podium, will make him a key addition to our leadership team.”

Working in various aspects of government business including grants, contributions, policy development and project management, Blinn has managed key relationships with Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic partners as well as national sport organizations. He has also played key roles in the Government of Canada’s involvement in Major Games bids at all levels including Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, along with the Pan Am and Parapan American Games. Blinn was the Manager of Major Games and Hosting for Sport Canada from 2007-2015, and served as a Senior Policy Officer for Sport Canada from 2004-2007.

“Canada’s sport community has established a strong foundation of success thanks to the vision and heavy lifting of sport leaders throughout the country who I have had the privilege of working closely with throughout my career.” said Blinn. “Supporting Canada’s athletes at all levels, while uniting the country through sport, government and business, has always been a deep passion of mine. I am tremendously honoured to now have the opportunity to do this as part of the team at Own the Podium.”

In addition to collaborating with partners in the Canadian sport system, Blinn will support strategic planning while directing corporate operations for Own the Podium. His responsibilities will include formulating corporate policies, budget development and management, human resources, while also developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders.

About Own the Podium

Own the Podium, a not-for-profit organization, prioritizes and determines investment strategies to national sport organizations in an effort to deliver more Olympic and Paralympic medals for Canada. Own the Podium’s largest contributor of funding is the Government of Canada with additional funding provided by the Canadian Olympic Committee/Canadian Olympic Foundation, the Canadian Paralympic Committee/Paralympic Foundation of Canada, along with the corporate community. For a full summary of Own the Podium initiatives and programs, including a breakdown of support and services by sport, please visit us at www.ownthepodium.org on the Internet.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Chris Dornan                               

Own the Podium                        

T: 403-620-8731

E-mail: chris.dornan@ownthepodium.org