Open call for applications to RBC Olympians Program

Opportunity to share experiences, develop career skills and receive financial support

TORONTO, May 22, 2013 /CNW/ - RBC today announced its annual search for current and recently-retired Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as well as Olympic and Paralympic team hopefuls, to participate in the RBC Olympians Program.

Since 2002, the RBC Olympians Program provides elite athletes with financial support, the opportunity to gain valuable career skills and allows for the time necessary to train and compete on the world stage.

"The Program was a terrific experience that enabled me to gain work experience, participate in community initiatives and train for the London 2012 Olympic Games," said swimmer Scott Dickens, 2012 Canadian Olympic Team member and RBC Olympian. "The support from RBC is incredible - they understand the demands that athletes face and work proactively to help us be successful in sport as well as in the boardroom. It's unlike any other athlete support program."

RBC is looking for a number of current and recently-retired Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as well as Olympic and Paralympic team hopefuls to apply for the RBC Olympians Program for a two-year contract beginning in October 2013. The deadline for applications is June 24, 2013. More information about the RBC Olympians Program can be found at https://performancemanager4.successfactors.com/.

The RBC Olympians Program encourages athletes to act as community ambassadors in cities and towns across Canada — to share past experiences and Olympic accomplishments with students, communities, clients and employees. These athlete ambassadors work to champion and raise awareness about the importance of sport in daily life, inspiring the next generation to be physically active, make healthy decisions and participate in sports, no matter the level.

"Sharing my story with Canadians is such a rewarding experience," said Carla MacLeod, 2010 & 2006 Olympic gold medalist in Ice Hockey and RBC Olympian. "RBC really understands what athletes need to move forward and this program is a perfect marriage in terms of sport and life development."

Committed to supporting amateur sport in Canada from grassroots to elite-level athletes, RBC has had over 185 Olympic and Paralympic athletes participate in the program. Some of the athletes who have participated include: Jennifer Botterill, gold medalist in Ice Hockey at the 2010, 2006 and 2002 Olympic Games; Shelley-Ann Brown, silver medalist in Bobsleigh at the 2010 Olympic Games; Scott Frandsen, 2-time Olympian in Rowing, and silver medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games; Jared Funk, silver medalist in 2004 and bronze medalist in 2008 at the Paralympic Games in Wheelchair Rugby; and Kara Grant, 2-time Olympian in Modern Pentathlon, 2004 and 2008.

RBC and Amateur Sport
As Canada's longest-standing supporter of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1947, RBC proudly continues its sponsorship through to London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016. RBC also sponsored the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. Supporting amateur sport, from grassroots programs in local communities to national sport associations, RBC helps in the development of amateur athletes who compete at home and abroad. RBC is also a premier sponsor of Hockey Canada. Visit rbc.com/sponsorship. Follow us on Twitter @RBCOlympic.

SOURCE: RBC