Four Canadian Athletes Depart for Innovative International Sport Administration Internships
OTTAWA, September 8, 2009 – Four athletic Canadian volunteers embarked on 14-month international sport administration internships today, where they will join teams in four countries who are preparing for the October 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.
The Capacity Support Program is an innovative pilot program funded by the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Canada. It is aimed at increasing the sport management capacity of other countries’ Commonwealth Games Associations, a goal that supports the Commonwealth Games’ mandate of international development through sport.
The program is offered to Canadians with a post-secondary education in Sport Management, Sport Administration, Health, Physical Education, Kinesiology, Human Kinetics or Recreation.
“These four interns have demonstrated an incredible dedication to their communities, their academics and their athletics,” said Thomas Jones, CEO of Commonwealth Games Canada. “Sport has tremendous value as a development tool, and Commonwealth Games Canada is excited to offer these individuals the opportunity to collaborate with international Commonwealth Games Associations in their preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.”
The four Capacity Support Officers and their placements are:
Ellen Barwise, 27, O’Leary, P.E.I. – University of Ottawa
Barbados Olympic Association
Chantelle Grant, 22, Mississauga, Ont. – Brock University
Bermuda Olympic Association
Tess Good, 24, Brockville, Ont. – Brock University
Jamaica Olympic Association
Jennie Petersen, 27, Calgary, Alta. – University of Calgary
Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee
Complete backgrounders on these interns are provided with this release and are online at www.commonwealthgames.ca.
The four interns will partner with local staff and volunteers and be responsible for games preparation and implementing a games management software program called Zeus. Other duties will include assisting with grant applications and proposal writing.
The Commonwealth Games will be held in Delhi, India, from Oct. 3 to 14, 2010.
About International Development through Sport
International Development though Sport (IDS) is a branch of Commonwealth Games Canada. Since 1993, IDS has been operating in selected developing Commonwealth countries in Africa and the Caribbean and aims to increase collaboration and promote partnerships between local, national and international organizations to advance the concept and delivery of development through sport.
About Commonwealth Games Canada
Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the international franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. The mission of Commonwealth Games Canada is to strengthen sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth, by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool.
To arrange interviews with the overseas interns or to receive more information about the Capacity Support Program or Commonwealth Games Canada please contact:
Hannah Juneau
International Programs Officer
Commonwealth Games Canada
Tel: 613.244.6868 Fax: 613.244.6826
Email: Hannah@commonwealthgames.ca
www.commonwealthgames.ca
