|
MasterCard's $500,000 donation to the See You in Athens
Fund priceless to Canadian athletes
Canadian athletes receive much needed funding
Toronto-August 13, 2003 -The one-year countdown
to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens is enhanced today
with a major investment in Canadian pride thanks to
a $500,000 donation from MasterCard Canada.
The See You In Athens Fund launched its national campaign
in February 2003; this contribution marks the "premiere"
donation towards a $5 million financial goal.
"MasterCard Canada is extremely proud to sponsor
the See You in Athens Fund," said Walt Macnee,
President, MasterCard Canada. "MasterCard believes
in rooting for the home team by investing sponsorship
dollars in energetic, great Canadians who share the
values of honesty, respect and spirit. We already support
a variety of programs in hockey, figure skating and
soccer. By sponsoring See You in Athens we can continue
our focus on grassroots assistance to amateur athletes
as they train to create priceless moments for all Canadians."
The See You in Athens Fund is a not-for profit fund
established to directly support the training and development
of Canada's amateur athletes. Sadly, more than 70 per
cent of Canada's amateur athletes live below the poverty
line. This fund eases the financial burdens placed on
the athletes for their travel, equipment, coaching and
nutritional expenses.
"MasterCard has responded to a need. A need for
corporate Canada to recognize the importance of directly
supporting our athletes when the support is needed most,"
says Jane Roos, Founder and Executive Director of the
See You in Athens Fund. "This donation will provide
Canadian athletes with the desperately needed funds
in order for them to train and qualify
for Athens. We are proud that MasterCard has joined
us in support of our Canadian heroes."
Since its inception in 1997, the fund has raised more
than $600, 0000 to support hundreds of athletes including
gold medallist wrestler Daniel Igali and the 2000 bronze
medal synchronize swimming team.
"As an athlete I can tell you first-hand how vital
this donation is," says World Champion rower and
Olympic silver and bronze medallist Silken Laumann.
"It takes years of preparation, practice and sheer
determination before an athlete can live out their Olympic
dream. With this donation, athletes can focus on their
pursuit for gold, not managing a personal spreadsheet."
The See You in Athens Fund will celebrate Canadian
pride with an Opening Ceremonies Gala tonight at the
Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The gala kicks off the
one-year countdown to the Olympic Games in Athens and
encourages other Canadian corporations to make an investment
in Canadian pride.
About MasterCard International
MasterCard International is a leading global payments
solutions company that provides a broad variety of innovative
services in support of its global members' credit, deposit
access, electronic cash, business-to-business and related
payment programs. MasterCard International manages a
family of well-known, widely accepted payment cards
brands including MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus and
serves financial institutions, consumers and businesses
in over 210 countries and territories. The MasterCard
award-winning Priceless advertising campaign is now
seen in 96
countries and in 45 languages, giving the MasterCard
brand a truly global reach and scope. For more information
go to www.mastercard.ca
About See You In Athens Fund
The See You In Athens Fund is a not-for-profit organization
devoted solely to raising money and awareness for Canada's
amateur athletes. Since 1997, the Fund has helped Canada's
amateur athletes prepare for international summer and
winter games. Monies donated to the fund go directly
to Canadian athletes to support their training, coaching,
nutrition and living expenses in preparation for international
competition.
-30-
_____________________
Jennifer Reed
Senior Director, Communications
Strategy and Market Development
416.365.6664
|
