Speed Skating Canada – Ottawa, February 15, 2018 – Since its inception in 2010, the Intact Insurance Podium Tracker program has donated over $300,000 to 150 speed skating clubs across the country and that number will grow higher again this year. Every time a Canadian skater wins an individual medal at a long or short track World Cup or World Championship Intact Insurance donates $1,000 towards the Podium Tracker program.

“For the eighth year in a row, Intact Insurance is proud to contribute to the development of Canadian speed skating through its Podium Track program,” said Robin Monnière, Vice-President of Brand Development and Client Experience at Intact Insurance. “This program allows winning clubs to do more for their teams and athletes, allowing them to emphasize on what is most important: the development of the next generation of Olympians that will represent Canada.”

Once again this year, clubs are now encouraged to submit their application for a chance to win a $5,000 grant, and at the same time, be eligible for a grand prize of $10,000. This financial support will be provided to clubs in order to help them face some of the clubs challenges including purchasing equipment, coaching services, recruiting, ice rentals and others.

“Speed Skating Canada is so fortunate to have a partner like Intact that continues to support youth clubs across the country via the Podium Tracker program,” said Speed Skating Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Susan Auch. “The success of our short track and long track Olympic team athletes all begins with solid grass roots programs and Intact Insurance is helping ensure that success continues.”

The club application window is now open and will run through March 31^st, 2018. Recipients will be named in the spring of 2018.

Application forms and information concerning the Podium Tracker program can be found on Speed Skating Canada’s website atwww.speedskating.ca/resources/clubs/podium-tracker.

Other information is available online on Speed Skating Canada’s website at www.speedskating.ca

About Speed Skating Canada

Speed Skating Canada (SSC) is the governing body for long track and short track speed skating in Canada. Founded in 1887, SSC is comprised of 13 provincial and territorial associations. Speed Skating Canada is committed to Challenge and Inspire Canada to Thrive through the power of Speed Skating. SSC recognizes and values its outstanding volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise. It also celebrates the 63 Olympic medals won by Canadian athletes since 1932, as well as the coaches, officials and other dedicated individuals who helped them on their journey. www.speedskating.ca

Speed Skating Canada would like to thank its sponsors: 

Premium partner: Intact Insurance

Funding partners: Government of Canada (Sport Canada), Own The Podium, Canadian Olympic Committee

Official On-Ice High Performance Apparel: Li-Ning

Long Track Team Sponsor: KIA

Official Suppliers: Auclair, USANA

Official Technical Equipment Supplier: Nagano Skate

Sport Development Partners: Winsport Canada, Calgary’s Olympic Oval, University of Calgary, Institut national du sport du Québec, Government of Quebec, Canadian Sport Institute-Calgary, City of Montreal, Quebec City, Excellence sportive Québec-Lévis

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For information:

Patrick Godbout

Communications & Media Relations Manager

Speed Skating Canada

Email: pgodbout@speedskating.ca

Phone: 514 213-9897

Website: www.speedskating.ca 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSC.PVC

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SSC_PVC

Hazel Tan

Manager, External Communications

Intact Insurance

Email: Hazel.Tan@Intact.net

Phone: 416 341-1464 ext. 48073

Website: Intact.ca