Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc), the official clothing sponsor for the Canadian Olympic Commitee (COC) announced that they are to donate $300,000 (£149,130) to the "Road to Excellence" programme, designed to benefit Canada's summer sport system.

 

It completes a profitable week for the COC as they signed up two sponsors for London 2012 and received a grant of $700,000 (£346,500) from the Ontraio Government to help its athletes prepare.

 

Rob Johnston, president of Hbc, said: "Hbc has a proud history of supporting Canadian athletes as they train and compete at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

"It is with great pleasure that we once again show our pride by outfitting the Canadian Olympic team, as well as providing financial support, in their quest for gold at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games."

 

The collection that the Canadian team will be wearing at the Beijing Olympics is eco-friendly and was designed with athletes' input to ensure the team has ideal clothing to excel
in Beijing's hot summer temperatures, Hbc said.

 

"The Canadian team is well known for its Olympic clothing and we are confident that the stylish and functional uniforms that Hbc has created for the team in Beijing will be worn with pride by athletes and sought after by the public," said Chris Rudge, the chief executive of the COC.

 

"I also want to recognize Hbc's generous donation to the 'Own the Podium 2010' and "Road to Excellence" programmes as well as their ongoing support of Canadian athletes."