WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/08/10 -- Canadian Snowboardcross athlete and Olympic rider Rob Fagan showed his true colours today as he announced he plans to donate half of his winnings to charity should he reach the podium next week. Fagan, an 8-year-member of the Canadian Snowboardcross Team, selected KidSport as his charity of choice, as they provide children across the country with the opportunity to participate in sport.

"The Olympics are such an amazing opportunity to make your mark - both as an athlete and as a role model. I am super excited to make this announcement and to be able to work with a group like KidSport," says Fagan. "I also want to challenge other Canadian athletes to consider doing the same so that we can inspire each other, as well as children and sport enthusiasts across Canada."

Canadian athletes who reach the podium will receive funds from the Canadian Olympic Committee through its Athlete Excellence Fund, in the amounts of $20,000 for Gold, $15,000 for Silver and $10,000. Fagan, who is currently ranked fourth in FIS World Cup Snowboardcross rankings, plans to donate 50 per cent of those funds to KidSport if he is successful in his bid to reach the podium when he competes next Monday, February 15th. He is also challenging his fellow Canadian athletes to make a similar gesture to their charity of choice, hoping to showcase the spirit and commitment of all Canadian athletes.

"Rob understands the role sport has played in his own personal development, and wants to do his part in making sure all Canadian youth realize the same benefits by supporting KidSport. Canadians helping Canadians, what a fantastic legacy for the Games, thank you Rob," says Bart Given, KidSport. "KidSport will be cheering for him, along with the rest of Canada, as he goes for Gold on the 15th."

About Rob Fagan

Rob Fagan is a member of the Canadian Snowboardcross team, and a medal contender in his sport for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The native of Cranbrook, BC has been a member of the Canadian National Snowboard Team for eight years, and is currently ranked 4th in the FIS World Cup rankings in his discipline.

About KidSport

KidSport was established in 1993 by Sport BC as a community based sport-funding program that provides grants for children ages 6 - 18 to participate in a sport season of their choice. There are now over 175 chapters across Canada working to fulfill KidSport's mission of eliminating the financial barriers to sport participation, 'So ALL Kids Can Play!' To find out more and to see the other members of Team KidSport, please visit kidsport.ca.

Contacts:
b co communications
Betsy Cooper
778-229-4947
cooper@b-co.ca

KidSport
Jessica Doherty
604-333-3422
jessica.doherty@sport.bc.ca
www.kidsport.ca