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September 25th 2006, OTTAWA – Athletics Canada is proud to announce today that all proceeds generated from the TransCanada 10K Championships and Run with the Champions event on October 7 in Ottawa will go to youth development programs. The youth development funding will help off-set costs from self-funded and partially self-funded teams such as the Canadian juniors which competed at the 2006 IAAF World Junior Championships in Beijing, China.
“The association is pleased to announce this new initiative targeted to raise the necessary funds to send our future Olympians to elite international events, at no cost to them,” said Joanne Mortimore, Chief Executive Officer. Mortimore adds; “We are happy to be working with supportive corporate partners such as the TransCanada Corporation and Timex in helping to get this program off the ground on October 7th in the shadows of Parliament Hill.” Added Mortimore; “Athletics Canada is laying the building blocks in order to provide the opportunity for this event and the associated revenues to grow over the coming years,” added Mortimore. In its first year the event will establish a strong foundation for upcoming editions to significantly contribute to youth development programs. The revenues generated for self-funded and partially self-funded teams will grow as participation and awareness of the event grows.
Due to budget restrictions, athletes attending the IAAF World Juniors were forced to self-fund a portion of their trip. The Canadian squad came away from the juniors with two silver medals. (Justyn Warner from Markham, Ont. in the 100-metres and Brian Barnett from Edmonton, Alb. in the 200-metres) Athletics Canada’s goal, through events such as the TransCanada 10K, is to be in a position to fully fund all junior national teams sent to compete abroad at major international competitions.
The TransCanada 10K Championships will feature Canada’s best middle distance runners as they run to be named Canadian Champion. The event also includes the Run with the Champions 10K mass participation race, allowing everybody who enters the opportunity to run alongside the elite, while generating funds for youth development programs.
The Championship will also host the TIMEX Series final which is the culmination of the TIMEX provincial Road Race Series, encompassing every province. The TIMEX National Road Race Series has over 110 races with in excess of 140,000 participants designed for all runners from beginner to the elite competitor.
To register for the TransCanada Run with the Champions 10K please visit www.transcanada10km.ca. Prizes include an event shirt for all participants, a finisher’s medal, as well as prizes for age category winners. Random draw prizes will be handed out featuring TIMEX Ironman watches. Food and refreshments will be provided.
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