November 30, 2016 (Nanaimo):  PacificSport Vancouver Island has partnered with Campbell River based Cermaq Canada Ltd. to support athlete development through the North Island IGNITE program.                              

The program provides training and educational opportunities for athletes, bringing professional trainers to the communities where the athletes live.

Identification and development of athletes both on the national, provincial and more regional level is a critical focus for PacificSport Vancouver Island.  Supporting high performance athletes, and those up and coming, builds overall capacity within the sport community.

“Access to training and personal development opportunities close to home are a competitive advantage,” says Kevin Lindo, PacificSport Athlete & Coach Services Coordinator. “Cermaq has provided a $12,000 investment in our PacificSport athletes and in the IGNITE program based in Campbell River, allowing athletes to receive top quality training without the burden of travel.”

 “At Cermaq Canada Ltd. we believe a good diet and physical activity are crucial for a healthy lifestyle. We produce healthy food and support sports in the communities where we operate. By partnering with PacificSport Vancouver Island, we will increase opportunities for athletes and families in the North Island region and continue our commitment to promoting good health,” says Laurie Jensen, Cermaq Canada’s Communications and Corporate Sustainability Director.

“This partnership with Cermaq is key to growing sport development opportunities for the North Island region,” says Drew Cooper, General Manager of PacificSport. “Together we truly do ‘Power Sport’ on Vancouver Island.”

About Pacific Sport

Established in 1995, PacificSport Vancouver Island is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing sport participation for all ages and abilities through the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) program.  From grassroots, community sport day camps to high performance athlete development, PacificSport Vancouver Island inspires and engages our community to excel and be active for life.

About Cermaq

Cermaq Canada is a salmon farming company based in Campbell River, BC. The company produces fresh Atlantic salmon at 27 sea sites around Vancouver Island and employs more than 250 people. Cermaq believes healthy, active lifestyles are important and sponsors many sports and health initiatives in Vancouver Island communities.

Media contacts:

Jenn Houtby-Ferguson                                       Laurie Jensen

Marketing & Communications, PacificSport         Cermaq Canada Ltd.

Cell:     250-713-9849                                       Phone: 250-286-0022 x 2232

Email:   JHoutby@PacificSport.ca                         Email:  Laurie.Jensen@cermaq.com