Air Canada is the official airline of the Vancouver 2010
Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in a six-year deal that includes sponsorship
rights and transportation for Canadian Olympic teams participating in the 2008,
2010 and 2012 Games.
The partnership, announced today in Montreal, includes a
contribution of more than $600,000 over the next six years to the Canadian
Paralympic Committee. Air Canada will host an annual on-line fundraising
initiative through its website, aircanada.com, and will donate $1 from every
on-line booking made through the website during specific campaign periods. In
2007 the campaign will be held during the week of April 30.
“All of us at Air Canada are honoured to support the Olympic
and Paralympic spirit,” said Montie Brewer, President and Chief Executive
Officer. “Our sponsorship also underlines Air Canada’s continuing support
of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees. We are looking forward to
Vancouver’s success as the host city of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games, and are committed to playing a key role in bringing athletes, families,
friends and supporters from around the world to the Games.”
Vancouver is a major hub for Air Canada’s domestic, U.S.
transborder and international networks and is the airline’s main North American
gateway to and from Asia.
“With Air Canada onboard, together we will stage Canada’s Games
in 2010,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “Through this
exciting partnership, they will connect Canadians and the world to the Games
and carry the Vancouver 2010 message broadly around the globe. As Canada’s
airline, it is only fitting that Air Canada will carry our Canadian teams
— and their dreams for podium success — to the next three Games in
2008, 2010 and 2012.”
“On behalf of all Canadian Paralympic athletes, I would like to
thank Air Canada for this very generous support,” said Benoit Huot, Paralympic Gold
Medalist (Swimming). “When we know that there are iconic Canadian companies
like Air Canada who are putting their financial support behind our team and the
Paralympic Movement in Canada, it is incredibly inspirational as we prepare for
Beijing, Vancouver and then for London.”
