Canadian sport has probably never spoken so much French. Quebecer Marcel Aubut was re-elected for four years, by acclamation, as president of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC). An election organized in the stronghold of the former president of the Nordiques ice hockey team, in Gatineau, Quebec.
His first mandate, which began in 2009, was focused on finance by Marcel Aubut. His fixed idea: increase the income of the Olympic Committee. Never easy in times of crisis. But the Vancouver Games in February 2010 helped with the maneuver. Result: an investment of 100 million Canadian dollars, approximately 75 million euros, announced last November in order to compensate for the drop in partnership following the Winter Games.
With four more years ahead of him, the strong man of Canadian sport is thinking about medals and victories. He said it after his re-election: “The goal is clear and simple: we need to get more medals in Sochi, Rio and Pyeongchang. We must increase our pool of potential medals and realize them better than all other countries. If well supported, our athletes can compete and win against the best in the world.”
How ? By being smarter than the others. This time, it is Ian Moss, the president of the Canadian Speed Skating Federation, who speaks: “We must recognize that there will never be as much money in the Canadian system as in certain European countries and Asians. We must use our money wisely to advance our goal, whether it is high performance, improving the general health of our fellow citizens or simply using sport to increase the pride of Canadians. »
In fact, Marcel Aubut wants to prioritize detection, better target the coaches placed at the head of the national selections, and take advantage of the COC's resources to help athletes individually prepare for the Olympic deadlines. In short, “harmonize our sports system. »
Another priority: take full advantage of the Sochi Games in 2014, the Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015, then the Summer Games in Rio the following year, to position Canadian athletes in a better place in society. Make examples of them. Marcel Aubut: “In an era where governments are constantly looking for new ways to overcome challenges, we, the leaders of the world of sport, are in an excellent position to tell them: “Canadian athletes are not only national heroes, they are also part of the solution. »
At the same time, the president of the COC also promised that the headquarters of the institution in Montreal would soon see its facade decorated with the Olympic rings, and that it would be enriched with a museum. Similar treatment is planned for the Toronto offices.
On the other hand, not a word on a possible candidacy for Canada for the Summer Games. Priority is given to the organization of the Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015. For the future, caution and reflection.
