"Canada's Olympic Message Emphasizes Unity Amid Geopolitical Turmoil"

As Canada prepares for the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, less than a year away, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has chosen the rallying slogan "We Are All Team Canada." This message resonates deeply in today's geopolitical landscape, reflecting a rise in Canadian nationalism fueled by economic concerns and sovereignty issues related to the United States. According to David Shoemaker, the CEO of the COC, the campaign is about unity and addresses the opportunity and responsibility to remind Canadians of the powerful role of sport in uniting the nation, especially during times of increased patriotism.

This marks the first joint campaign between the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, highlighting the collaborative spirit of Canadian athletes. The previous themes at the Summer Olympics were "Brave Is Unbeatable" for the Olympics and "Greatness Moves Us" for the Paralympics. Shoemaker points out the negative impact of events like the ongoing trade war, which has led to job losses and business struggles, and emphasizes the uplifting nature of this campaign, which showcases the achievements of Canadian athletes on a global stage.

The slogan "We Are All Team Canada" emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when Canada was the first nation to withdraw from the Tokyo Summer Games, prioritizing the health and safety of athletes. Shoemaker relates this slogan to the necessity for Canadians to unite to combat the pandemic, reinforcing that the spirit of teamwork prevails. Moreover, he assures that despite the economic uncertainties brought on by U.S. tariffs, the COC remains committed to preparing for the Olympic Games, scheduled to run from February 6 to February 22.

The scope of the Winter Games is smaller than that of the Summer Games, with the Canadian Olympic team consisting of 215 athletes and 85 coaches, while the Paralympic team includes 48 athletes and their coaching staff. Even amid currency fluctuations where the Canadian dollar has strengthened against the U.S. dollar but weakened against the euro, the COC maintains its focus on long-term financial planning. Shoemaker notes that they aim to mitigate risks by securing financial measures well in advance of the Games.

Furthermore, the COC seeks increased core funding from the federal government, having requested $144 million in annual support for the 62 national sports organizations, a figure that has not seen a raise in two decades. This appeal has been complicated by recent political upheaval, leaving their application in a state of uncertainty as elections approach. Despite the shifting political landscape, Shoemaker remains hopeful that regardless of the outcome, the new government will pay attention to Canada's athletes as they journey toward the Winter Games and the upcoming Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028. He asserts that sport is important to Canadians, expressing confidence in the inevitable financial backing that will flow to support athletes.