Money Raised for Canada's National Women's Team
The goal for every amateur athlete is to reach the top of the podium on the international stage.
This is no different with members of Canada’s National Women’s Team, who are working towards their goal of striking gold in Vancouver at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
That goal comes at a cost – not just physically, but financially. Many of Canada’s athletes – including women’s hockey players – don’t get rich playing the sport they love. That’s what makes a recent announcement by Tom Bitove, Vuty Gomes, Peri Luel and Patrick McEleney so special.
Over the past three years, the four business people have worked with dozens of sponsors to put on the TELUS Going for Gold golf tournament. The event is held at Red Tail Golf Course near London, Ont., thanks to the work of dozens of individuals and sponsors throughout the country.
One hundred per cent of funds raised at the golf tournament are given back to members of the National Women’s Team. A few weeks ago, all 26 players on Canada’s centralized roster learned they would be receiving $10,000 each to help with the costs associated with being a full-time amateur athlete.
Hockey Canada would like to acknowledge the effort put in by everyone involved with Going for Gold and thank them for their continued support of Canada’s National Women’s Team.
Letter from Hayley Wickenheiser to volunteers
I want to start by saying how proud each and every player on Canada’s National Women’s Team is to represent her country. There is no greater feeling than wearing the Maple Leaf and playing a sport we all love.
Of course, each of us has the goal of playing for Canada in Vancouver and we work hard each and every day as we get closer to that goal.
I can speak for all of our players when I say that financial concerns can be an enormous stress on an athlete as she trains day in and day out to excel in sport. This is why the work of the Going for Gold committee – Tom, Peri, Viti and Pat – is so very much appreciated. We know the effort these four people put into the tournament every year. We also know that the committee is supported by 60-plus business people in Canada and a number of great sponsors.
Together, these people continue to give back to our team, allowing us, as players, the chance to focus on the task at hand on the ice.
Thank you to everyone involved in Going for Gold. Each of you has a part in all of our success.
All the best,
Hayley Wickenheiser
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