Sponsors key to World Cup success

Ste-Adele, QC, January 24, 2008 – “It wouldn’t happen without them,” said Canadian Freestyle Ski Association CEO Peter Judge from Ski Mont Gabriel for an upcoming FIS Freestyle World Cup this weekend, referring to corporate sponsors.

Peter Judge, CEO, Canadian Freestyle Ski Association

He went on to say, “You can tell by the name of the event – the Canada Post Freestyle Grand Prix presented by Ernst & Young – how important they are to our being able to stage competitions in Canada. Unlike professional sport we don’t have gate receipts, television rights money or the like. We rely on corporate sponsorship money, government support and ski resorts operators like MSSI (Mont Saint Sauveur International) to make this happen. Without them our team would not be able to compete in front of home crowds, Canadian media, and their families and friends. I know that these corporate investments are done for business purposes, but these companies also have their hearts in the right place.”

“Everyone has to understand how critical this funding is for our sport and others in this country,” Judge continued, “government cannot and should not do this alone. And athlete families also can’t afford to make the financial commitment necessary to excel and win on the international sports stage. The funding we receive from Sport Canada and the Own the Podium program is essential for the team’s success moving toward 2010. But there is so much more that has to be done. We’ve got an incredible list of committed sponsors – most of whom have been with us for several years. Canada Post invests a million dollars a year with us – for the national team, these elite events and programs at the grassroots level too. Bell and RBC also have made long-term commitments to us. And this year we’ve been fortunate to sign new sponsors like Ernst & Young, Colliers International and Lawson Lundell. Look at our sponsor/supplier thank-you boards this weekend and you’ll see how many companies, big and small, and local communities, step forward to help. It’s great. The media and all of us should take notice and give credit where it is due.”

The Canada Post Freestyle Grand Prix presented by Ernst & Young takes place this weekend at Ski Mont Gabriel in Ste-Adele, QC. With the support of a wide ranging list of sponsors and suppliers the schedule includes a spectacular Opening Ceremonies on Friday evening at 7:00 pm. The Moguls competition is on Saturday starting at 10:00 am with finals at 1:15 pm; and Aerials are on Sunday beginning at 9:30 am with finals at 1:15 pm.

Admission to all events is free.

-- Posted January 24, 2007