PYEONGCHANG (February 7, 2018) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is proud to announce that for the first time ever, Pride House will be directly affiliated and hosted by a National Olympic Committee. Canada Olympic House (COH) will be a home to Pride House during the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang. This represents a unique partnership between the COC and Pride House International (PHI) to celebrate, on a more meaningful scale than ever before, our shared values of inclusion, diversity, and respect.
Download the welcome wall message seen at Canada Olympic House
The first-ever Pride House took place in Canada during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, where it opened up its doors to LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and their allies from all over the world. Since then, Pride House has made its mark at numerous large-scale sporting events including the London 2012 and Rio 2106 Olympic and Paralympic Games, creating a wave of positive change throughout.
"The COC stands behind its commitment of inclusion and diversity in the global sport landscape," said Chris Overholt, CEO and Secretary General of the COC. "We recognize that diversity is our greatest strength. Inclusion is the very foundation of what makes the heart of Team Canada. By hosting Pride House in our Canada Olympic House, we are extending our warmest welcome to all from every corner of the world to celebrate ‘Be Olympic’. Team Canada is proud to embrace its diversity at Canada House, which includes a sign at the front door, welcoming all and knows that as a team, we are stronger when we celebrate our differences."
We are pleased to be able to share with the world what it means to be Canadian and what it means to #BeOlympic.
"There is much to be celebrated in this historic partnership," said Keph Senett, Pride House International trustee. "It’s the first time a Pride House has come to Asia, and it’s the first time a National Olympic Committee has officially embraced the Pride House concept. The fact that it is the Canadian Olympic Committee that has announced its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and participation is extra meaningful as Pride House was originally a Canadian idea."
Fans who would like to visit the house are encouraged to go to canadaolympichouse.ca to purchase tickets ahead of the Games. Family and friends of athletes and other affiliated groups can register ahead of the Games via the site as well. With a limited inventory of tickets available, fans are encouraged to act quickly.
A ceremonial opening will be held on February 7, 2018 in PyeongChang. The house will officially be open to fans on February 10, 2018.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
The Canadian Olympic Committee leads the achievement of the Canadian Olympic Team’s podium success and advances Olympic values in Canada. Independent and predominantly privately funded, the Canadian Olympic Committee delivers resources that Canada’s elite athletes need to prepare the Team for the Olympic, Youth Olympic and Pan American Games. By sharing our athletes’ stories, we inspire all Canadians through the power of sport: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
ABOUT PRIDE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL
Pride House International’s mission includes the promotion of equality and diversity in sport, through sport and by sport. This year, in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee, Pride House International, working with Korea’s only LGBT advocacy group, Korean Sexual Minority Culture and Rights Center, will be providing a venue inside Canada Olympic House to welcome LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and their allies during the PyeongChang Olympic Games.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Josh Su. MPC & Media Relations Officer
Canadian Olympic Committee
Cell: +82-10-7240-8075
Email: jsu@olympic.ca
Photi Sotiropoulos, Communications Lead
Canadian Olympic Committee
+82-10-7343-8075
Email: psotiropoulos@olympic.ca
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