This year, Suncor, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) increased the funding amount for each athlete and coach pairing from CAD$8,000 ($7,200/£4,400/€5,500) to CAD$10,000 ($9.000/£5,500/€7,000), increasing Suncor's annual financial commitment to the programme from CAD$400,000 ($370,000/£222,000/€280,000) to CAD$500,000 ($450,500/£280,00/€350,000).

"The FACE program is the cornerstone of our Olympic and Paralympic legacy and we are excited to increase the funding for both coaches and athletes, fuelling their dreams to compete on the international stage," said Louis Côté, director of loyalty and strategic partnerships at Suncor.

"The drive and discipline of the athletes and coaches chosen is astounding.

"Congratulations on becoming this year's FACE recipients."

The announcement comes as the CPC, COC and Suncor unveil the athlete/coach paring's due to receive funding for the next year.

A total of 50 athlete/coach partnerships are due to benefit from the funds with more than 2,600 Canadian athletes having now benefited from the scheme since its establishment in 1988.

The COC, CPC, and their National Sport partners work together each year to run the FACE program, which provides developing, pre-carded Canadian athlete and coach pairings with funding to help fuel their dreams.

A total of 50 Canadian athletes are set to receive funding from the FACE programme, including rising judo star Kyle Reyes ©Getty Images



Coaches are selected along with the athletes they directly coach, which highlights Petro-Canada's long-term support and recognition of the value of coaches to the development and performance of athletes.

These coaches incur their own costs on the road to developing the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic stars of tomorrow.

"It's wonderful to see renewed and strengthened support from Petro-Canada, who has supported Canadian athletes for more than 25 years," said Marcel Aubut, President of the COC.

"We look forward to cheering on the athletes as they continue to gear up for success on the world stage."

Gaétan Tardif, President of the CPC, added: "On behalf of our athletes and coaches, we would like to thank Petro-Canada for helping build a strong Para-sport system in Canada and investing in tomorrow's champions.

"These grants will provide vital funding for athletes looking to compete against world-class competition."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]