March 27, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – Members of Canada’s Olympic family were heavily featured among the 50 names of those who have both the influence and desire to affect sport in Canada during the past year, including Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut at #3, London 2012 Bronze medal soccer Captain Christine Sinclair at # 17 and Sochi 2014 Chef de Mission for the Canadian Olympic Team Steve Podborski at #29. Drawing on both Olympians, Olympic Partners and Olympic community leaders, the list highlighted the significant and continuously-growing impact that members of Canada’s elite Olympic community have on the face and momentum of sport in Canada.

“Sport inspires us, it unites us and it lifts us up to heights we never believed imaginable,” said Christopher Overholt, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General, Canadian Olympic Committee. “None of this would be possible without the hard work and passion of individuals such as those who have been celebrated today. It is particularly gratifying to see so many members of the Canadian Olympic family singled out for their contribution to this country through their passion for sport.”

This Globe’s list included:
– #2 – George Cope, CEO of BCE, including Canadian Olympic Team Premier National Partner Bell. (Shared placement)
– #3 – Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
– #8 – Sidney Crosby, Olympian, Hockey
– #13 – Steve Yzerman , General Manager for 2010, 2014 Men’s Olympic Hockey Team
– #17 – Christine Sinclair, Olympian, Soccer
– #18 – Bonnie Brooks, Gordon Nixon and Stephen Wetmore, CEOs of COT Premier National Partners
– #21 – Peter Wimburn, CEO of Molson Coors, Canadian Olympic Team Official Supplier
– #25 – Carol Huynh, Olympian, Wrestling
– #27 – Anne Merklinger, CEO of OTP
– #28 – Clara Hughes, Olympian, Speed Skating and Cycling
– #29 – Steve Podborski, Olympian, Skiing, and Sochi 2014 Chef de Mission for the Canadian Olympic Team
– #33 – Milos Raonic, Olympian, Tennis
– #37 – Bob Nicholson, CEO of Hockey Canada
– #40 – Ryder Hesjedal, Olympian, Cycling
– #45 – Wayne Gretzky, Olympian, Hockey
– #46 – Kimberly Amirault-Ryan, Canada’s Head of Sport Psychology for the 2010, 2012 and 2014 Olympic Games.

“On behalf of the Canadian Olympic Committee, I extend my sincere congratulations to those who have been named to this prestigious list,” added Overholt. “We have seen amazing things from this community over the past year and I know that we will continue to be inspired and motivated by their actions in the years to come.”