“We understand that as high performance athletes, obtaining adequate health and dental coverage can be difficult and time consuming”, says Andrew Nisker, President of AthletesCAN. “In a recent survey of our membership, health plans ranked in the top three product/service areas athletes need more support in, so we’re happy to make this a reality for our athletes.”

The goal of the program is to provide athletes and their families with an easy to use, affordable and competitive benefit program that will serve their needs as a current or recently retired athlete.

"It has been our privilege over the years to work with some of the best athletes and organizations in international sport at both the amateur and professional levels”, says Paul Etherington, Vice President of Etherington Generations.  “As a Canadian based company, we are proud to embrace our partnership with AthletesCAN who represents sporting excellence in our country as the voice of Canada’s national team athletes.”

Through the new program, athletes will benefit from added financial security, no medical forms to complete, competitive pricing, less restrictive coverage as part of a group, and an easy claims process.

“As a high performance athlete, husband and father of two children, health and dental coverage is a substantial financial burden”, says David Calder, 3-time Olympic rower and 2008 Olympic Silver medalist. “The stress of full-time training in itself is intense.  With little or no extended health coverage for my family, without having to pay a significant amount, this group health and dental plan through AthletesCAN will help to remove one more layer of unnecessary stress off of myself, my family and other athletes in similar situations so we can focus on what really matters; representing our country in pursuit of excellence.”

Athletes will be able to take advantage of this program in conjunction with their current insurance plans including the Canadian Athletes Insurance Plan (CAIP) offered through a number of national sport organizations. 

“The health and wellness of our athletes is paramount to their success”, says Colleen Coderre, High Performance Coordinator for the Canadian Yachting Association. “Many of our high performance sailors have been without extensive health coverage for years thus limiting the opportunities to seek certain medical/therapeutic support. CYA is very excited about this initiative and we thank AthletesCAN for their continued advocacy and support of athletes across Canada.”

About AthletesCAN

As the voice of Canadian national team athletes, AthletesCAN ensures an athlete centered sport system by developing athlete leaders who influence sport policy and, as role models, inspire a strong sport culture.

About Coaches of Canada

Established in 1985, Coaches of Canada is the national organization that represents the profession of coaching in Canada. The organization's mandate is to advance the profession of coaching; moving toward self-regulation of the practice of coaching, and licensing the country's more than 9,000 full-time paid coaches.

About Etherington Generations

For three generations Etherington Generations have been insuring security and protection for people and organizations across Canada.

About BBD

BBD is an administered benefits agency with a national presence and over two decades of experience in the group insurance market.

For more information:

Ashley Kilburn

AthletesCAN

1-613-526-4025 ext. 222

1-888-832-4222 Toll Free

akilburn@athletescan.com

Leanne Metcalfe

Benefits by Design

1-800-668-2295 ext. 312

leanne.metcalfe@bbd.ca