Canadian Olympic Committee welcomes Peter Van Loan as Minister for Sport

TORONTO, Nov. 28 /CNW/ - The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) welcomes Prime Minister Stephen Harper's appointment of Peter Van Loan (MP York-Simcoe) as Minister for Sport.

"The Canadian Olympic Committee remains committed to working with the federal government and Minister Van Loan as a full partner with the goal of advancing Olympic sport in Canada," said Chris Rudge, COC Chief Executive Officer.

"We look forward to continuing our ongoing discussions with the Minister regarding government support for our summer sport technical program with the goal of achieving increased podium success in Beijing 2008, London 2012 and beyond."

The COC also acknowledged the contribution of former Minister for Sport Michael Chong who was appointed on February 6, 2006.

"We would like to extend our appreciation to former Minister

Chong for his contribution to advancing the Olympic Movement in Canada," said Rudge.

"Through the recent creation of Podium Canada, Mr. Chong has strengthened our partnership with the major national funding partners of Olympic and Paralympic sport in Canada.

The Canadian Olympic Committee looks forward to continuing to work with the Government of Canada to build an efficient and effective Canadian sport system."

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 .