The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), in partnership with Petro-Canada, a Suncor Energy business, have announced the 2024 recipients of the Petro-Canada FACE Grant. This announcement marks another milestone in the grant’s 36-year history of supporting Olympic and Paralympic aspirations.
The Petro-Canada Fuelling Athlete and Coaching Excellence (FACE) grant has been a cornerstone of Canadian sports funding since its inception in 1988. Over the decades, Petro-Canada has invested over $14 million in the development of over 3,500 athletes and coaches across the country. The company’s commitment to this initiative was reinforced in July when Suncor announced an extension of its partnership with the COC and CPC through to the end of 2032.
David Shoemaker, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the COC, highlighted the critical role of the FACE program in nurturing emerging athletes. “The funding provided by Petro-Canada’s FACE program is instrumental for emerging athletes,” Shoemaker stated. “We are grateful for Petro-Canada’s longstanding commitment to fueling the dreams of Canadian athletes and coaches, and thrilled that they will continue to do so for years to come.”
This year, the FACE Grant will assist 55 promising Olympic and Paralympic athletes who are currently ineligible for government funding. Each selected athlete and their coach will receive a total of $10,000 to be allocated towards essential expenses such as training, equipment, education, and travel.
Karen O’Neill, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, emphasized the FACE program’s impact on promoting inclusive sport in Canada. “Petro-Canada is a committed supporter of inclusive sport in Canada and the FACE program has been such a significant facet of this support,” O’Neill remarked. “FACE grants have provided so many athletes and coaches with important funding to advance their sporting careers. We thank Petro-Canada for this recognition, and congratulate this year’s recipients; we look forward to following along as you take the next steps in your journeys.”
The Petro-Canada FACE Grant continues to be a vital resource for Canadian athletes striving to reach the pinnacle of their sports. With a legacy of substantial financial support and a renewed partnership extending into the next decade, the FACE program remains a crucial element in the development of Canada’s future Olympic and Paralympic stars.
