COC says Canada is ready to compete at Rio 2016
Canadian Olympic Committee – COC gives Team Canada update before Games begin
Wednesday, August 3, 2016 — RIO DE JANEIRO — On Wednesday, Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) President Tricia Smith said Canada’s finest summer athletes are ready to take on the best in the world at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Smith addressed international media during their Rio 2016 opening press conference at the Main Press Centre in Olympic Park alongside three-time Olympic Team member, Audrey Lacroix; Team Canada Rio 2016 Chef de Mission, Curt Harnett; Canadian Olympic Committee CEO, Chris Overholt and Executive Director of Sport, Eric Myles.
Team Canada is aiming for a top-12 finish among 205 countries in terms of the total number of medals won. Canada is fielding a team of 314 athletes (compared to 279 at London 2012) that will compete in 37 sports. They will be supported in Rio by 98 coaches and 106 support staff.
For Rio 2016, Canada also qualified five team sports: women’s soccer, rugby sevens and basketball, along with men’s field hockey and volleyball as opposed to the two teams that were secured for London 2012. Team Canada athletes are heading into these Games with a successful track record; 36 of them having earned top-five placements at their last world championships.
COC President Tricia congratulated Carlos Nuzman and the Rio Organizing Committee for their work efforts in dealing with the challenges they have faced in preparing Rio for the Games. She went on to thank the family and friends of Canada’s athletes, the National Sport Federations, coaches, Own the Podium and the Government of Canada for their ongoing support.
QUOTES
“It really does take a village to send a team of this size to the Olympic Games and I want to thank all those who help support these athletes, from family and friends to coaches and support team, the National Sport Federations, our partners, Own the Podium and the Government of Canada. I also want to thank all Canadians who consistently rally behind our team and cheer them on as they take on the best in the world. I know our athletes will make us proud. I also want to thank our hosts, the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee and the people of Brazil for welcoming the world. I know their spirit and passion for sport will shine through and that these will be a spectacular Games.”
Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
“Canada is sending a very strong Olympic team to these Games and I am honoured to lead it. It has been an absolute joy to get to know a lot of them along this journey and I know their grit and determination will radiate on the field of play. These men and women represent the best our country has to offer. I know they will make us proud.”
Curt Harnett, Team Canada Rio 2016 Chef de Mission
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my fellow teammates on our journey to Rio. It is such an honor to represent Team Canada at my third Olympic Games and I will do everything I can to make my country proud.”
Audrey Lacroix, three-time Team Canada Athlete
“The COC has left no stone unturned in setting up Team Canada for success in Rio. The Mission Team – the team behind the team – is 159 strong and is ready to support the athletes with everything they need to compete at their best. We thank our friends at Rio 2016 for their generosity and hospitality as well as our corporate partners for their support in making all of this possible.”
Chris Overholt, CEO, Canadian Olympic Committee
The RIO 2016 TEAM CANADA MEDIA GUIDE mobile app is now available for download at the iTunes Store and Google Play. The guide will be refreshed in an ongoing manner to ensure media have the information as Team Canada updates occur.
Contacts
Cherry Ye
Media Relations, Canada Olympic House
Canadian Olympic Committee
Mobile: +55-21-99409-4064
cye@olympic.ca
Ricky Landry
Media Relations, Main Press Centre
Canadian Olympic Committee
Mobile: +55-21-99034-5206
rlandry@olympic.ca