Tuesday, March 23, 2010

INDUSTRY NEWS: Pfizer Canada will keep its Paralympic torch burning bright till 2017

Pfizer Canada has confirmed that the Company is pledging five more years of support to the Canadian Paralympic Team under a $1 million partnership agreement that runs until 2017. Although Pfizer Canada's sponsorship agreement does not expire until 2012, the company publicly renewed its support in an announcement. The news was shared in front of a cheering crowd of athletes, family members, dignitaries and fans during an upbeat celebration held at Whistler Canada Paralympic House on March 21, 2010.

_____________________

Pfizer Canada will keep its Paralympic torch burning bright till 2017

Nation's pharmaceutical leader renews partnership with Canadian Paralympic Team


WHISTLER, BC, March 22 /CNW/ - Less than an hour after the Paralympic torch was extinguished in Whistler Medal Plaza, the Canadian Paralympic Team received a celebratory flame of corporate support from one of its longest-standing corporate partners, Pfizer Canada.

Although Pfizer Canada's sponsorship agreement does not expire until 2012, the company publicly renewed its support in an announcement. The news was shared in front of a cheering crowd of athletes, family members, dignitaries and fans during an upbeat celebration held at Whistler Canada Paralympic House on March 21, 2010.

Today, the company officially confirmed it is pledging five more years of support to the Team under a $1 million partnership agreement that runs until 2017.

"This means so much. Pfizer is signaling to the world that Canada is feeling the rush of Paralympic sport. It's a sign our nation is excited about Paralympic sport, even beyond Vancouver," says Paralympian and sledge hockey star Benoit St-Amand. "It's a vote of confidence for future Teams - and it feels great," he says.




Keeping the promise burning bright for future generations
---------------------------------------------------------



"Pfizer is a health care company that strives to help Canadians live inspired, healthy lives. For the past nine days, Canada's Paralympic Team pushed the limits of athletic accomplishment and showed our entire nation, and the world, the power of believing in yourself and your dreams," explains Ghislain Boudreau, Vice-President Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations, Pfizer Canada. Boudreau says the legacy of the 2010 Paralympic Team is inspiring Canada's children and youth to get involved in sport, which he calls a great gift to the future health of the nation.

"We believe Vancouver 2010 can create momentum for a new era of inclusiveness, awareness and access for Canadians who live with disabilities. As a leading health care company, Pfizer feels a responsibility to help keep that promise alive and burning bright so that it doesn't fade out in a few months," says Boudreau. "By renewing our commitment now, we're letting the Team know that we're here for them through to 2017, which will represent 21 consecutive years of Pfizer support," he says.




Powerful statement about partnership
------------------------------------



"Pfizer's early renewal is a powerful example of true partnership," says Henry Storgaard, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Paralympic Committee. "By stepping up to the plate now, they are helping us continue the momentum created by hosting a Paralympic Games on home soil and to focus on what's truly important: supporting our athletes. It's a boost of support and encouragement. And it's coming at a very meaningful time for CPC as we continue to build for the future."

"The Canadian Government is committed to supporting amateur sport because we believe sport can help teach young generations of Canadians important lessons about living a healthy, active life, discipline and teamwork. In our last Budget, the Federal Government announced its intent to commit an additional $10 million to fund Paralympic sport over the next two years to help our team prepare for 2012 and to open more opportunities for children and youth to get involved in Paralympic sport. Our commitment is strong, but we need private sector partnership to maintain and build on the momentum gained during these remarkable Games. We commend Pfizer Canada for their commitment, and for demonstrating that the public and private sectors can work together for the benefit of our great nation," says Minister of State (Sports) the Honourable Gary Lunn.

Earlier this month, Pfizer and the Canadian Paralympic Committee joined forces to release an online film called Believing in Yourself. Every time the film is viewed and shared at morethanmedication.ca, the company donates $5 to the Team.

Kids of Courage, a free e-book for Canadian families is also available online at morethanmedication.ca. Families can view the e-book online; download a free PDF and listen to audio recordings. 40,000 printed copies of the book were donated to Canadian libraries. Braille and audio versions are also available for educators.

SOURCE: CNW Newswire/Pfizer Press Release

No comments:

Post a Comment