Toronto, June 26, 2003 – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced today the appointment of Christian Farstad to the position of Director, Athlete Relations at the COC. The position was newly developed consistent with the COC's focus on excellence in high performance sport and increased commitment to Canadian athletes.
“Chris was a terrific candidate to fill this position,” said Chris Rudge CEO of the COC. “His involvement with the Canadian Olympic Committee over the years complemented by his athletic experience and business expertise make him exactly the right fit for this new position. We are very excited to have him on board and we look forward to Chris developing strong relationships on behalf of the COC with past, present and future Canadian athletes.”
In his new role based out of Calgary, Farstad will primarily be responsible for strengthening and developing relationships with high-performance athletes across the country, linking athletes to COC programs, developing new programs to assist athletes transitioning from their athletic careers and supporting the COC's direction to increase the profile of Canadian athletes and sport in Canada through athlete participation in COC fundraising and marketing initiatives.
“I'm very proud to have been selected for this position,” said Christian Farstad. “I believe through the creation of this position the COC has further demonstrated their commitment to athletes and amateur sport across the country. I look forward to strengthening relationships between the COC and athletes in this new and exciting role.”
Farstad brings an extensive athletic and managerial background to the COC including his experience as a two- time Canadian Olympian in the bobsleigh (92' & 94'), and his more recently acquired expertise as President of Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. Farstad also has many years of experience as a member of the COC's Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Finance and Administration Committee, Nominating Committee and Vice-Chair of the COC's Athlete's Council. Upon his appointment to the Director, Athlete Relations position, Farstad will be immediately stepping down from his other responsibilities on all COC committees.
A financial advisor, chartered financial analyst and graduate from Athabasca University, Farstad spent much of his professional career at BMO Nesbitt Burns and Royal Bank Financial Group. His strong athletic background, knowledge of the Olympic Movement in Canada and the COC and his and work experience are a welcome addition to the COC.
The COC is a private, not-for-profit corporation and the largest private funder of high performance sport in Canada. 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. In addition, the COC manages a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For more information see the COC website: www.coa.ca