‘Fuelling Athletes and Coaching Excellence’ program recipients named

by Sail Canada on 10 Sep 2014 Today, Sail Canada is proud to announce 49erFX sailor Erin Rafuse and coach Mark Asquith as recipients of a Petro-Canada Fuelling Athletes and Coaching Excellence (FACE) funding. Suncor, proud owner of Petro-Canada, annually awards 50 athlete and coach pairings with funding to help fuel their sport dreams.

'The FACE program is the cornerstone of our Olympic and Paralympic legacy and we are excited to increase the funding for both coaches and athletes, fuelling their dream to compete on the international stage,' said Louis Côté, Director, Loyalty and Strategic Partnerships, Suncor. 'The drive and discipline of the athletes and coaches chosen is astounding, congratulations on becoming this year’s FACE recipients.'

Working together with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and their National Sport partners, the FACE program provides developing, pre-carded, Canadian athlete and coach pairings with $10,000 in grants. These resources help athletes achieve national carded status and coaches improve their skills over the long term.

'We congratulate Erin and crew Danielle Boyd for being selected for the Petro-Canada FACE program,' said Sail Canada Executive Director Paddy Boyd. 'The Canadian 49er FX program is building momentum and these sailors have true potential to rise to the top. Sail Canada would like to thank Petro-Canada (Suncor) for supporting athletes across the country and investing in the future of our sport.'

This year, Suncor increased the funding from $8,000 per athlete and coach pairing to $10,000, and boosted the total annual financial commitment from $400,000 to $500,000 for every year of the program going forward.

Beginning with the Petro-Canada Torch Scholarship Fund in 1988 and continuing through its re-launch as the FACE Program in 2007, the program has provided more 2,600 Canadian athletes and coaches with almost $9 million in direct financial support. Recipients of the 2014 program funding represent both summer and winter sports and represent Canada from coast to coast.

Previous FACE recipients have gone on to great success on the international stage, including at the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, reaching the podium 12 times. Medallists include: Mark Arendz (Para-Biathlon – Silver, Bronze), Jim Armstrong (Wheelchair Curling – Gold), Patrick Chan (Figure Skating – Silver, Silver), Mélodie Daoust (Ice Hockey – Gold), Kaitlyn Lawes (Curling – Gold), Mac Marcoux (Para-Alpine – Gold, Bronze, Bronze), Kevin Reynolds (Figure Skating – Silver), Marielle Thompson (Ski Cross – Gold).

For more a complete list of 2014 FACE recipients or additional information on the FACE program, visit Sail Canada