COC gives Team Canada update before Games begin
On Wednesday, Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) President Tricia Smith said Canada’s finest summer athletes are ready to take on the best in the world at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Smith addressed international media during their Rio 2016 opening press conference at the Main Press Centre in Olympic Park alongside three-time Olympic Team member, Audrey Lacroix; Team Canada Rio 2016 Chef de Mission, Curt Harnett; Canadian Olympic Committee CEO, Chris Overholt and Executive Director of Sport, Eric Myles.
Team Canada is aiming for a top-12 finish among 205 countries in terms of the total number of medals won. Canada is fielding a team of 314 athletes (compared to 279 at London 2012) that will compete in 37 sports. They will be supported in Rio by 98 coaches and 106 support staff.
“It really does take a village to send a team of this size to the Olympic Games and I want to thank all those who help support these athletes, from family and friends to coaches and support team, the National Sport Federations, our partners, Own the Podium and the Government of Canada. I also want to thank all Canadians who consistently rally behind our team and cheer them on as they take on the best in the world. I know our athletes will make us proud. I also want to thank our hosts, the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee and the people of Brazil for welcoming the world. I know their spirit and passion for sport will shine through and that these will be a spectacular Games.” – Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
For Rio 2016, Canada also qualified five team sports: women’s soccer, rugby sevens and basketball, along with men’s field hockey and volleyball as opposed to the two teams that were secured for London 2012. Team Canada athletes are heading into these Games with a successful track record; 36 of them having earned top-five placements at their last world championships.
COC President Tricia congratulated Carlos Nuzman and the Rio Organizing Committee for their work efforts in dealing with the challenges they have faced in preparing Rio for the Games. She went on to thank the family and friends of Canada’s athletes, the National Sport Federations, coaches, Own the Podium and the Government of Canada for their ongoing support.
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