(Ottawa, Ontario) - The Spirit of Sport Foundation (SSF), the national charitable organization committed to ensuring that sport makes a positive contribution to Canadian society, has changed its name to the True Sport Foundation, effective November 1, 2004. The True Sport Foundation is a key contributor to the True Sport Strategy, a collaboration of governments and members of the sport, recreation and physical activity sectors committed to the belief that values-driven sport can make a powerful, positive contribution to the development of individuals, communities and Canadian society.

The Foundation has evolved considerably over the last decade. In its infancy as a campaign aligned with the Canadian Centre for Drug-Free Sport, the Spirit of Sport Wall travelled around the country raising awareness of doping-free sport. In 1995, the Spirit of Sport Foundation was incorporated and took on the important role of furthering athlete development and ensuring the positive moral development of Canada's youth. From its Fair Play initiatives, to its mentoring program and athlete bursary opportunities, the Foundation worked nationwide to promote opportunities for youth in sport. The annual Canadian Sport Awards celebration has always been the Foundation's most visible contribution to ethical sport, highlighting as it does the inspiring stories that live in Canada’s best athletes and sport leaders.

Now, its new incarnation as the True Sport Foundation fits in with a more holistic vision of the power of sport to build people and communities. The True Sport Foundation will continue to devote its resources to long-term public education in the vital role of values-driven sport in Canada.

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For further information, contact Doug MacQuarrie, Executive Director,
True Sport Foundation, at (613) 521-3340 x3224.