Canadian Olympic Committee – Toronto – The Canadian Olympic Foundation and Gold Medal Plates (GMP) announced today that after extensive discussion and review of their organization’s long-term objectives, a mutual decision to sunset their agreement was reached to enable both organizations to move forward with their new business strategies.

Stephen Leckie and Karen Blair, who co-founded Gold Medal Plates in 2003 after Vancouver was awarded the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, staged regional and national culinary championships annually across the country to raise funds on behalf of Canada’s Olympic athletes.

“Mission accomplished!” said Karen Blair. “The objective of GMP from the outset was to celebrate Canadian excellence in food, wine and sport. With the shared vision and contribution of so many wonderful people across Canada, we were able to build a national platform for Olympic athletes to share their stories of determination and resilience, while celebrating their accomplishments across Canada every year. During the twelve-year partnership with the Canadian Olympic Foundation, GMP raised and garnered pledges totaling close to $15 million to assist and support athletes on their journey to the podium. The parties are proud of their long and positive association and wish each other all the best in the future.”

“For more than a decade, Gold Medal Plates brought together people from corporate Canada, the food and beverage industry, entertainers, athletes and volunteers by staging unique events across the country to give our Olympic and Next Generation athletes financial support to achieve their dreams,” said Paul McIntyre Royston, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Foundation. “They not only raised funds for Canadian athletes but also gave the opportunity for all who participated to enjoy unique experiences and meet new people across Canada and abroad. We especially want to thank all the athletes who participated in these events over the years and who committed their time and efforts to help raise money for fellow athletes and for the Next Generation of athletes. We also thank Karen and Stephen for their efforts and wish them every success in their future pursuits.”

For more information on Stephen Leckie and Karen Blair’s future endeavours, visit here.

The Canadian Olympic Foundation will soon be announcing an exciting new initiative which will have a significant impact in continuing its fundraising work.

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Emmalee Nother, Philanthropic Strategist, Communications
Canadian Olympic Foundation
Tel: 416-324-5013 / Cell: 416-346-5141
Email: enother@olympic.ca

Josh Su, Specialist, Public Relations
Canadian Olympic Committee
Cell: 647-464-4060
Email: jsu@olympic.ca

Photi Sotiropoulos, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Canadian Olympic Committee
Tel: 416-324-4298 / Cell: 416-476-9174
Email: psotiropoulos@olympic.ca

Sylvie Bigras
Gold Medal Plates Media Contact
Tel: 613-298-1625
Email: [sylvie@magma.ca]sylvie@magma.ca