Speed Skating Canada – ttawa, August 24, 2018 – Effective August 31, 2018, Patrick Godbout will be stepping down from his role as Lead, Communications and Media Relations at Speed Skating Canada (SSC) to pursue new professional endeavours.

Since joining SCC following the 2014 Olympic Games, Patrick has contributed to the promotion of speed skating by highlighting its events and top athletes on various communications channels. As part of the host organizing committees for many international competitions held in Canada, he was known for his creative ideas, including efforts to increase digital and television coverage of the events. Patrick also worked to secure French-language exposure for speed skating, developing a live 10-hour broadcast deal with TVA Sports for the 2018 ISU World Short Track Championships. In the 2017-2018 season, Patrick took on additional responsibilities in coordinating both sponsor relationships and the production of SSC’s performance and off-ice apparel.

“On behalf of the speed skating community, I would like to thank Patrick for contributing his passion and talents to our sport over the past Olympic quadrennial,” said Susan Auch, SSC’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful in particular for his impact throughout this past season, not only in promoting the sport and our athletes toward PyeongChang, but also in taking on added roles with our partners and suppliers during the busy Olympic year.”

SSC’s new Manager, Marketing, Communications & Partnerships, Nicole Espenant, will lead the portfolio being vacated by Patrick and by Calgary’s Kerry Dankers, who joined the Olympic Oval team on August 20. Nicole can be reached at nespenant@speedskating.ca. A revised organizational structure for SSC, including new positions reporting to Nicole, will be shared once it is finalized.

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

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:

Nicole Espenant

Manager, Marketing, Communications & Partnerships

Speed Skating Canada

Email: nespenant@speedskating.ca

Phone: 613-797-1630

Website: www.speedskating.ca 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSC.PVC

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SSC_PVC