RBC Insurance Proud Sponsor of the Canadian Paralympic Committee 2012-13 Recruitment Program Fund

New grants now available to help people with a disability get involved in sport

OTTAWA, Jan. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee is pleased to announce that RBC Insurance will sponsor the 2012-13 Recruitment Program Fund.

The Recruitment Program Fund (RPF), also supported by the Government of Canada, awards grants of up to $10,000 to sports organizations to financially support the creation of a new sports program, or the expansion of an existing successful program that provides a positive introductory sports experience for participants with a disability. Funds may be used towards enhancing program options, such as facility rental space, coaching, volunteer training and more.

"RBC Insurance is thrilled to join the Canadian Paralympic Committee in helping grow the Paralympic Movement in Canada and enabling more people with a disability to become involved in sport," said Neil Skelding, president and CEO, RBC Insurance. "Since many grassroots sports programs have limited resources and rely on volunteer contributions, this Fund will help increase those resources to offer quality introductory sports programming for Canadians with a disability."

Applications for the 2012-13 RPF will be accepted starting January 25, 2012 and remain open until February 29, 2012. For more information or to apply, go to Paralympic.ca/funding.

An optional interactive webinar on the application process is scheduled for Monday Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. EST. To register, email [e-mail].

Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, warmly welcomed RBC Insurance to the Canadian Paralympic Movement.

"It's certainly encouraging to be announcing a new sponsor and, even more so, to have the good fortune to link that sponsor with the Recruitment Program Fund," said Storgaard. "Quality introductory parasport programs are at the very heart of a strong Paralympic sports system and are a key component in our goal of becoming the world's top Paralympic nation. We greatly appreciate RBC Insurance's support of this important initiative."

About RBC Insurance

RBC Insurance®, through its operating entities, provides a wide range of travel, life, health, home, auto, wealth and reinsurance products and solutions, as well as creditor and business insurance services, to individual and group clients. RBC Insurance has more than four million clients in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. Our products and services are offered through a wide variety of distribution channels, including call centres, retail insurance branches, independent brokers, travel agents, a proprietary sales force and the Internet.

About Sport Canada's Sport Support Program

The Sport Support Program provides National and Multi Sport Organizations with financial assistance they need to develop Canada's amateur sport system and to achieve world class athletic results. This financial support strengthens our national sport system and benefits our athletes and coaches. For more information, please visit www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267385942671.

About the Recruitment Program Fund (RPF)

Launched in 2010 (formerly called the First Contact Fund), the Recruitment Programs Fund (RPF) is intended to support the creation of a new program, or go towards the expansion of an existing successful initiative providing a positive introductory parasport experience. Funds may be used towards enhancing program options, such as facility rental space, coaching, volunteer training and more. In 2011-2012, 32 clubs were funded with grants totalling $237,323.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

For further information:

Alison Korn
Manager, Media Relations
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: [phone] ext. 243
Cell: 613-298-4927
[e-mail]

Laura Ferris
Coordinator, Recruitment Program Support
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: [phone] x233
[e-mail]

Web: Paralympic.ca
Facebook: Facebook.com/CDNParalympics 
Twitter: @CDNParalympics
YouTube: YouTube.com/CDNParalympics

Margie McNeil
RBC Insurance
905-606-1425
[e-mail]

Angela Gordon
RBC Insurance
905.816.5650
[e-mail]