July 11, 2013 – Today, after decades as the go-to eyewear brand for Canadian athletes on and off the field of play, Oakley Canada formally joins the Canadian Olympic family as an Official Licensee and Official High Performance Optical Wear Supplier for the Canadian Olympic Team. The agreement spans 2013-2016, covering the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“As a brand and as a product, Oakley encompasses the attitude, innovation, passion and performance we look for in Canadian Olympic Team partners,” said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “On behalf of the Canadian Olympic Committee, I am delighted to officially welcome Oakley to our Canadian Olympic family.”

“It is a tremendous honour for Oakley to be named the official high performance optical supplier to the Canadian Olympic Team,” said Hilary Hartley, General Manager of Oakley Canada. “As a company with a long history of supporting the dedication of Olympic athletes, we are proud of this partnership.”

Coming this fall, Oakley will launch a unique Canadian Olympic Team eyewear collection that features the same advanced technologies that many Olympic competitors depend on for the most important performances of their careers. The obsession behind Oakley’s performance-driven innovations reflects the values and passions of Canada’s outstanding athletes.

“I’m so excited that Oakley is joining forces with the Canadian Olympic Team,” enthused four-time Olympic medallist and Chair of the COC’s Athletes’ Commission, Adam van Koeverden. “Oakley has been one of my greatest sponsors and supporters on and off the water for over a decade, and I think it’s an amazing opportunity for our athletes. In my opinion, Oakley makes the best eyewear on the planet, and like our world-class athletes, they are just as focused on being number one, so it’s a tremendous fit. I can’t wait to try out the new line.”

“Oakley has been a loyal supporter of mine throughout my career,” added Vancouver 2010 Olympic Gold medallist Alex Bilodeau. “At the age of 15, it was quite glamorous to wear their sunglasses. Today, in the lead up to my last Olympic Games, I wear their world-renowned iconic O with just as much pride. It is great to see Oakley join the great Canadian Olympic family as even more Canadian athletes will now have access to the best sunglasses available.”

Proceeds of officially licensed Oakley/Canadian Olympic Team eyewear products will directly support the training and development of Canadian Olympic and high-performance athletes as Canada contends for the number one position in overall medal count in Sochi 2014 and goes for gold in Toronto 2015 and Rio 2016.