Montreal - The Canadian Freestyle Ski Association (CFSA) and Canada Post today announced a new six year partnership agreement that will see Canada Post become the title sponsor of Canada's Freestyle team - The Canada Post National Freestyle Team - from now until two years after the Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C. Canada Post has committed $1 million annually over the life of the agreement which will go to support the training and competitive commitments of the national team. Also part of the agreement, Canada Post will become the title sponsor of a series of international, North American and national events taking place in Canada - The Canada Post Freestyle Frenzy.
"This new agreement gives Canada Post a unique association with excellence and tremendous visibility in Canada and around the world," said Robert Waite, senior vice-president of Communciations and Stakeholder Relations at Canada Post. "Canada Post is pleased to continue our partnership with the CFSA in a way that both supports the training of this talented and dedicated team and develops young athletes. This is a solid commitment to these Canadian athletes, at all levels, and proof of our confidence in the team's continued success."
"Our athletes are among the best in the world," added Peter Judge, chief executive officer of the CFSA. "Maintaining training and competitive momentum is key. This six-year agreement provides the stability our athletes need to meet our performance goals on the international stage, including more podium finishes at the next Olympic Games. It also provides sustainability for the system so that we can continue to produce athletes beyond 2010."
To celebrate the new partnership, an exclusive visual identity was unveiled today at a news conference held in Montréal. The logo - a stylized set of freestyle skis with the familiar Canada Post branding and colours - was unveiled by Peter Judge, Susan Margles, vice-president at Canada Post, and Freestyle athlete and Olympic Gold medal winner Jennifer Heil. Other Canada Post Freestyle Team athletes in attendance included: Veronika Bauer, Jeff Bean, Alexandre Bilodeau, Deidra Dionne, Marc-André Moreau, Kyle Nissen, Amber Peterson, Kristi Richards, Audrey Robichaud, Warren Shouldice, and Stéphanie St-Pierre.
Competitions in Canada grouped under "Canada Post Freestyle Frenzy" banner
The new partnership between Canada Post and the CFSA will ensure financial support for national team athletes at all levels of mogul and aerial competition. The events included as part of the Canada Post Freestyle Frenzy will include two World Cup competitions, two Nor-Am competitions, two Canadian series events, The National Junior Championships and The National Senior Championships. As title sponsor, Canada Post will be the biggest name in freestyle skiing in Canada and the added visibility from the Frenzy events will deliver a complete partnership message to all Canadian ski and sport enthusiasts.
The CFSA and Canada Post will also create a bursary program in recognition of athletic excellence. This program will encourage athletes of all levels from elite to grassroots.
"The CFSA and its athletes are thrilled by this support and expression of confidence from Canada Post in both our system, and most of all our athletes," noted Peter Judge. "More than 2,000 young freestyle skiers can be found in communities across the country and this bursary could provide the means for them to become the best in the world," he concluded.
About the CFSA
The Canadian Freestyle Ski Association (www.freestyleski.ca) is the governing body in Canada for the sport of Freestyle Skiing. Its mission is to develop, in a safe, fun and ethical manner, Olympic and World Champions in all disciplines of the sport of Freestyle Skiing.
About Canada Post
Canada Post (www.canadapost.ca) delivers over 11 billion parcels and messages each year to 14 million destinations. Its 70,000 employees and 7,000 post offices the largest retail network in the country serve 32 million Canadians and over 1 million businesses and public institutions from coast to coast to coast. In 2005, net income for Canada Post and its affiliates, which include Purolator Courier Ltd., Progistix-Solutions Inc., Intelcom Courier Canada Inc. and Innovapost (jointly owned by Canada Post and CGI), was CDN$ 199 million on revenues of CDN$ 6.9 billion. Canada Post is a world leader, providing innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions, creating value for our customers, employees and Canadians.
