Greater Sudbury – With the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games less than one year away, Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci is turning up the Canadian heat on the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).

“Today, I am launching a Canada-wide campaign topetition the COC and CPC to allow the Hockey Canada logo to remain on hockey and sledge team jerseys during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” says Bartolucci. “I cannot fathom an Olympic hockey game without the Hockey Canada logo. It is the heart of who and what we are in Canadian hockey.”

Bartolucci is lobbying the COC/CPC to reverse the decision to not use Hockey Canada’s logo at the upcoming winter Olympics.

“I find it very upsetting that as host of the 2010 Games, our country is being prevented from wearing our logo,” says Joe Drago, President of the Ontario Hockey Federation and member of Hockey Canada.  Our logo is well renowned and our athletes wear it with great pride.  It also serves our players as a way to connect with their fans and garner support from all Canadians who wear the jerseys.

Bartolucci points out that the logo is an identifiable international brand for our players and their fans. “Think of the star athletes who have proudly worn our logo on their sweaters -Paul Rosen, Cassie Campbell, Hayley Wickenheiser, Danielle Goyette, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, Martin Brodeur to name a few.”

The Sudbury MPP says COC/CPC’s position sends the message that the committees do not appreciate the emotional attachment, cultural significance and the international recognition of our tradition of excellence that is associated with the logo. It is an integral part of Canadian culture, and the current decision is one that is unacceptable to Canadians who love our national sport.

Bartolucci encourages Sudburians and all Canadians to join the fight and sign their names to his on-line petition at www.rickbartolucci.com.

“You can make a difference,” concludes Bartolucci.

Contact:

Rick Bartolucci

705 675-1914