Dear OLYs,
After 11 amazing years with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), it is with deep gratitude and emotion that I bid farewell to this incredible community in my role as Manager, Athlete Marketing and Olympian Legacy. It has been a true honour to represent, support, and work alongside each of you—Team Canada Olympians.
Your dedication, hard work, and the legacy you carry have been nothing short of inspiring. As you know, the OLY designation is a recognition of your commitment to excellence, and it has been a privilege to support such an esteemed group.
The OLY Canada Commission and the COC will continue to champion and support OLY Legacy programs and initiatives across the country, ensuring the ongoing growth and impact of the Olympic Movement in Canada.
Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this journey. I will always take great pride in the work we’ve done together. On December 4, 2024, we held the Team Canada Celebration at the House of Commons, which was one of my final OLY engagements. What an incredible moment to close this chapter.
I wish you all continued success, and I am confident our paths will cross again—whether through the OLY Network or at various events.
During this transition period, please direct any questions or concerns to oly@olympic.ca.
Warm regards,
Sandra Sassine, OLY
OLY CANADA LEGACY GRANT – NEW Application deadline February 28!
Invest in the power of sport to create positive change
Sport has the power to transform lives, communities, and environments — far beyond competition. As a Team Canada Olympian, your Legacy can create positive change in the way people live, the way they treat each other, and the way they think about themselves. The OLY Canada Legacy Grant is your chance to invest in that change.
This initiative has provided support for 41 projects and programs since its inception, amounting to over $338,000 of funding. The communities impacted by these initiatives include communities such as youth in sport, BIPOC communities, and communities seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
This year, grants from $1,000 to $10,000 will be awarded to Team Canada Olympians committed to leading a not-for-profit initiative. Applications must fall under one of three categories of the Team Canada Impact Agenda.
PODIUM: This category includes initiatives that help support safe, inclusive and barrier-free sport by strengthening the sport system, supporting the athlete journey and providing research and training.
PLAY: This category includes initiatives that help make sport more accessible for youth and communities, encourage youth to stay in sport and ensure diversity at all levels of sport.
PLANET: This category includes initiatives that help make the planet a healthier place and support environmental sustainability.
Legacy Olympians retired from competition or active Olympians planning their career transition are fully encouraged to apply before February 28, 2025.
If you have received funding through this grant before, we encourage you to re-apply, as projects can benefit from the Legacy Grant up to twice.
Support is available for applicants, connect with oly@olympic.ca to ask any questions you might have, or to schedule a meeting.
OLY NOTES
- More than 180 Paris Team Canada OLY and PLY were Celebrated on Parliament Hill last December. Learn more about the event HERE.
- Seeking Participation Interest: 2025 Team Canada Awareness Days
We are in the process of planning Awareness Days in the coming year and are looking for athletes who would like to participate or be highlighted. If you’re interested in sharing your story or getting involved, please complete the form below. This is a great opportunity to showcase your journey, raise awareness, and inspire others.
Awareness Days Participation Interest Survey
- Help Us Create the Best Competition Bra for Female Athletes
Bra Survey – Canadian Female Athletes
We are reaching out to invite you to participate in a brief survey that will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. This survey aims to gather valuable insights on what matters most in creating the best competition bra for all female athletes.
If you don’t wear a bra in your sport (e.g. swimming), this survey may not be as relevant for you, but we appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with those for whom it is applicable.
By participating, you will have the chance to win a $100 gift card to lululemon.
Thank you for your time and assistance in helping us enhance the athletic experience for female competitors.
Complete the survey HERE.
- Did you miss the deadline but still want to join the Athlete365 Business Accelerator?
Don’t worry! Fill out this form, and we’ll guide you on how to catch up and integrate into the dynamics of the groups already formed.
- Free mindfulness app subscription!
Want a free subscription to a leading mindfulness app? As part of an exclusive offer for Athlete365 members, the IOC is giving you a one-year premium subscription to a leading mindfulness application to help you live a happier and healthier life.
- World Olympian Association – Female Grant Programme
Female Olympians: Apply now for grants of up to $5,000
To apply, please visit the SimiSleighs Foundation website: www.simisleighsfoundation.org/athlete-grant-program
- World Olympians Association – Grants Programme
Our aim is to empower Olympians to deliver projects that serve the needs of Olympians and help them to spread the values of the Olympic movement in their countries.
One of the ways we do this is via the World Olympians Association Grants Programme, which annually distributes funding under the following categories:
- NOA Development – $1,000USD grants per annum
- Service to Olympians / Service to Society – Up to $5,000USD grants per annum
Ideas can be suggested by any Olympian but your application must be submitted through your NOA.
- Building a Winning Personal Brand
As an athlete, you have an incredible platform to share your unique story with the world. Building a compelling personal brand is an empowering experience that can attract new opportunities such as sponsorship deals, collaboration with partners and an increased audience. In this session, P&G will share with you how to create a compelling narrative that reveals who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you different.
Personal Branding
- 28th January: 11:00 – 12:00 EST / 16:00 – 17:00 GMT
- 29th January: 08:00 – 09:00 EST / 13:00 – 14:00 GMT
- 30th January: 18:00 – 19:00 EST / 23:00 – 00:00 GMT
