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January 30, 2006 - RONA launches a $4 million program |
Montreal, Quebec, January 30, 2006 ─ Canadian athletes aspiring to compete in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Summer Games or the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games received a substantial boost today with the announcement by RONA (TSX:RON) of a five-year funding program worth a minimum of $4 million to help 100 prospective Olympians achieve their dream. The program also has an in-store fund-raising component which RONA projects could provide an additional $2 million in incremental funds for the athletes over the five-year span.
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The "Growing with Our Athletes" program is one of the most ambitious corporate support initiatives to be undertaken in conjunction with the Canadian Olympic movement. RONA will be sponsoring 100 young athletes as chosen by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), in consultation with its member National Sport Federations, as strong prospects for the 2008 or 2010 Olympic Games. These athletes, from across the country, will receive financial support from RONA to help them offset living, training and competition expenses.
"RONA is deeply committed to the Olympic movement and the advancement of our Canadian athletes on a world level," said RONA president and CEO Robert Dutton. "When young people are inspired, they can achieve anything they set out to do. Attaining their goals and fulfilling their dreams is an arduous journey, and RONA, along with the communities across Canada, is only too pleased to support them in their endeavors. This is consistent with RONA’s "Winning values. Let’s pass them on." philosophy."
RONA’s involvement in the Olympic Games includes its status as an National Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as well as National Partner of the Canadian Olympic Team for the Torino 2006, Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 Olympic Games.
Canadian Olympic Committee President Michael Chambers said RONA’s support program, which will assist 40 Olympic team aspirants for Beijing 2008 and 60 prospects for Vancouver 2010, strongly reinforces the performance and medal goals the COC has set for the 2008 and 2010 Olympic Games.
"Our objective is to be in the top 16 in Beijing and be first in 2010 for our home Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver," he remarked. "It’s an ambitious goal, but considering the vast potential of our young athletes we believe it is realistic and attainable, particularly with the tremendous support manifested by RONA. It is a bold statement that conveys the confidence RONA has in the abilities of our world-class athletes."
John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), welcomed the "Growing with Our Athletes" Program, noting that it will be a catalyst in producing an outstanding crop of future Canadian Olympians.
"VANOC’s partnership with RONA is rooted in our shared commitment to ensure that all Canadians feel part of the 2010 Games. As a growing Canadian company, RONA is helping us to share the spirit of the Games with communities across our country," said John Furlong, CEO, VANOC. "Today’s announcement brings us another step closer to ensuring that more Canadian athletes experience the greatness of standing on the podium representing Canada in 2010."
In-store program to further benefit athletes
Complementing its funding program, RONA, Canada’s leading distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products, will be implementing a format in which each of its stores in a geographical area will be matched with one of the 100 Olympic aspirants. By purchasing a special "RONA Renovation Kit" – an attractive Olympic logo carrying case that includes a RONA Vancouver 2010 tape measure, HBC Olympic logo notepad, RONA pen and three RONA renovation planning guides – the community will be able to lend financial support to the designated athlete in its geographical area. The stores will then be able to engage in additional fund-raising and community activities to provide further support for their athletes.
About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010. VANOC’s marketing program is focused on securing mutually rewarding partnerships with shared values to generate sufficient revenue to host successful Winter Games in 2010 and to leave a financial legacy for sport.
About the Canadian Olympic Committee
The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. 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 and 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.olympic.ca
About RONA
RONA is the Canadian leading distributor and retailer of hardware, home improvement and gardening products. RONA operates a network of more than 560 franchised, affiliated and corporate stores of various sizes and formats. Over 24,000 employees in all the regions of Canada work under its various banners. The RONA store network accounts for over 13 million square feet of space and annual retail sales of $4.8 billion.
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Source :
Stéphane Prud’homme
Public Relations Manager
RONA inc.
Tel: (514) 258-2693
Sylvain Morissette
National Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations
RONA Inc.
Tel: (514) 599-5123 or 1-877-599-5900, ext. 5123
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