In a pivotal move for Canadian sports, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy aimed at positioning Canada among the top five nations in both winter and summer sports. Announced just days ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, the “Team Canada 2035” plan seeks to engage over a million additional young Canadians in sports, while championing climate action to ensure sustainable sporting environments.
A Comprehensive Approach: Podium, Play, and Planet
The COC’s strategy is built upon three key pillars: Podium, Play, and Planet. Each component is designed to create a holistic approach to sports development and environmental responsibility. This initiative will be supported by a substantial $500 million investment from COC’s 39 corporate sponsors and donors from the Canadian Olympic Foundation, according to COC CEO David Shoemaker.
Shoemaker emphasised that the strategy is not only about achieving Olympic success but also about enhancing the overall experience of sport in Canada. “We can be a sporting nation like none other. We can be the world leader in connecting our Olympic results to transforming how young people get into sport in this country. This isn’t just about Olympic success; it’s about how important sport can be to the lives of Canadians,” he stated.
Addressing Climate Change in Sports
Integral to this plan is the recognition of climate change’s impact on sporting activities. The COC has identified the loss of outdoor skating days, diminishing snowfall, and increasing wildfires as critical factors influencing their commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. “None of our ambitious goals can be achieved if our sporting environments aren’t preserved,” Shoemaker noted, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Annual disclosures of the COC’s carbon footprint will commence, using 2022 as the baseline year. This transparency is part of a broader effort to lead by example within the sports community. Athletes like volleyball stars Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson have voiced concerns over the impacts of extreme weather on their sport, underscoring the necessity of this initiative.
Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity in Sport
Another cornerstone of the Team Canada 2035 strategy is the commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the sporting landscape. The COC aims to develop a more diverse workforce and board, while ensuring that athletes feel safe and supported in their environments. Collaborations with Indigenous communities and other organisations are essential to meeting these objectives.
Shoemaker pointed out that grassroots access to sports is increasingly limited, and highlighted existing programmes like Tennis Canada’s First Serve and Canada Snowboard’s Indigenous snowboard team as models for fostering inclusion. “We believe that we need to work hard at creating greater access, and there are lots of programs that exist already today,” he remarked.
Funding Challenges and Federal Support
Despite the optimistic outlook of the Team Canada 2035 vision, challenges remain, particularly in securing adequate funding. The COC, alongside the Canadian Paralympic Committee, has appealed to the federal government for an increase in core funding, which has remained stagnant since 2005. The requested funding increase of $144 million for 2025 is seen as crucial for sustaining operational needs and nurturing the next generation of athletes.
Shoemaker hopes that this new framework will persuade the government of the importance of investing in sports. “If a lack of a vision had been a reason for their reluctance to increase funding before now, we hope this gives them added impetus to do it going forward,” he said.
Why it Matters
The Team Canada 2035 strategy represents a significant commitment to not only elevate Canada’s standing in international sports but also to ensure that future generations have access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable sporting environments. As the COC strives to connect Olympic success with broader societal benefits, this initiative could redefine the landscape of Canadian sports, inspiring youth engagement and addressing critical issues like climate change. The success of this ambitious plan will depend on collaboration across all levels of sport and the willingness of government entities to support these vital efforts.
