Head Coaches and Team Leaders Gather in Cornwall to Discuss Strategy
November 19, 2010
CORNWALL, Ont., Nov 15, 16, & 17, 2010 – In an effort to set the stage for a successful performance environment for the Canadian Team at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Canadian Olympic Committee hosted its Olympic Preparation Workshop Nov 15, 16, 17 in Cornwall, Ont. With nearly 150 of the country’s top head coaches, team leaders, mental performance consultants and media attachés, the event boasts a large group of elite sport leaders as well as esteemed guest speakers General Rick Hillier and 2010 Olympic bobsleigh champion Heather Moyse.
"Following Vancouver, the London 2012 Games will be a more exciting and immense summer Games for Canada," said Carol Assalian, the COC’s executive managing director of sport and NSF relations. "This workshop is a critical exercise in giving the individuals who will lead our athletes the tools and resources they’ll need when competing against the world’s best athletes."
The workshop was designed specifically to examine the vision and mission of all Canadian sports competing at the 2012 Olympic Games. Drawing on the Canadian Olympic Team’s experience from the successful 2010 Olympic Winter Games, it represents a transition to summer and will equip National Sport Federation support teams with information and strategic material to utilize in their preparations for 2012.
"Canada’s success at the Olympic Games is contingent on coaches and support staff deeply understanding the Games environment, and building strategies on how their contribution will shape an athlete’s performance," said Assalian.
The workshop, where 32 separate sports are represented, is part of the COC’s Olympic Preparation Series. The first instalment for London 2012 took place in Ottawa in May 2010, with invitations extended to coaches and team leaders. The third instalment will take place in November 2011 with the Olympic Excellence Series, where athletes, coaches, team leaders and support staff will meet for an intensive Olympic tune-up.
In Cornwall, General Hillier delivered the opening keynote address. He is one of Canada’s most distinguished military leaders, retiring in 2008 from his post as Chief of Defence Staff. The closing keynote address was delivered by Heather Moyse who won Canada’s first-ever women’s Olympic bobsleigh gold medal with Kaillie Humphries in Whistler in February. Olympic rowing legend Marnie McBean was also apart of the closing address.
About the Canadian Olympic Committee
The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada’s involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada’s participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For news and information, visit the COC website at www.olympic.ca and find the team on both Facebook (Canadian Olympic Team) and Twitter (@CDN OlympicTeam).
For further information:
Isabelle Hodge
Manager, Media Relations
Canadian Olympic Committee
Tel.: (416) 324-4122
Email: ihodge@olympic.ca
