As the fundraising arm of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Olympic
Foundation(COF) is dedicated to supporting Canadian athletes as they strive to achieve excellence and
compete with the best in the world in their chosen sports. Canadian athletes often face a
significant shortfall in the resources they need to reach their full potential. The COF
attempts to bridge this gap, ensuring that athletes have the support they need to excel
on the world stage.
Unlike many other national sports organizations, the COC is almost exclusively privately funded.
This independence allows for a more flexible and responsive approach to supporting athletes.Working in close collaboration, the COF and COC deliver on four key pillars of impact:
1. Sport Excellence: Working with National Sport Organizations on training, competitions,
sport science, and Olympic operations
2. Pathway Development: Supporting the next generation of Olympic athletes
3. Athlete and Coach Enhancement: Supporting athletes and coaches through initiatives,awards
and bursaries
4. Team Canada Impact Agenda: Making sports accessible to all
The COC announced its Team Canada Impact Agenda last year as a commitment by the body to make sport safe, inclusive, and barrier-free for young
Canadian athletes.
One of the most impactful initiatives of the Impact Agenda is the establishment of the Marissa and Moez Kassam Level the Playing Field fund. Created by a $1 million donation from the Kassam Foundation, this fund is designed to channel resources directly to grassroots programs that engage youth from newcomer and marginalized communities in sports. By doing so, it aims to break down barriers and provide equal opportunities for all young Canadians to participate in sports.
“This donation will help us activate on the Team Canada Impact Agenda and provide more opportunities for young people of all backgrounds across the country to experience the power of sport,” says Jacqueline Ryan, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Moez Kassam is the Chief Investment Officer of Toronto’s Anson Funds, and he is a member of the COF’s Board of Directors. Through the Moez & Marissa Kassam Foundation, he supports a variety of causes, including health and research, food and shelter, and immigration. The Level the Playing Field Fund is a demonstration of his belief in the transformative power of sport and his dedication to supporting immigrant communities in Canada.
“We hope the fund will help empower youth from diverse backgrounds to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging,” says Kassam.
The fund is also intended to identify and nurture the next generation of Canadian Olympic athletes. These programs serve as the breeding ground for future Olympic heroes, helping to ensure that Canada continues to shine on the international stage.
Last year, the COF provided funding for 176 Team Canada athletes. Through initiatives like the Marissa and Moez Kassam Level the Playing Field Fund, the COF continues to play a crucial role in supporting Canadian athletes and promoting inclusivity in sports.