It’s a remarkable legacy, and connection, to the world’s greatest sporting event: Many Islanders either know an Olympian or someone who does. That includes Bruce Courtnall, whose former NHLer brother Russ Courtnall skated in the Winter Games.
So Bruce Courtnall didn’t hesitate when approached four years ago and asked if he thought Gold Medal Plates, a major Canadian fundraiser for Olympians, would work in Victoria.
It seemed to him a natural fit for a city that produces many Olympians, both homegrown and those who relocate here to train.
Courtnall’s confidence has been borne out as tonight’s Gold Medal Plates Victoria, the fourth annual, is again sold out with more than 500 people expected at the Victoria Conference Centre.
Olympians don’t just magically appear. They need to be developed. For that, there needs to be funding. Islanders have come through again to help.
“This city, and its support for sports, never ceases to amaze me,” said Courtnall, an investment adviser, and chairman of Gold Medal Plates Victoria.
“There are so many other events and fundraisers for great causes going on this city, but people always find the time and support for ours.”
Part of the appeal is the unique format of Gold Medal Plates Victoria, which pairs Olympians with 10 top chefs from across B.C., the latter who compete for gold, silver and bronze medals with their creations and the chance to move on to the finals in February at Kelowna.
The emcee tonight is CBC Olympic host Scott Russell with live music by the likes of Barney Bentall, Anne Lindsay and Daniel Lapp. There will be 24 Olympians on hand, most of them medallists, and either from or based on the Island.
“This city has so many Olympic athletes past and present, and so many to come, and we are lucky to have them,” said Courtnall.
This is one of 12 Gold Medal Plates Olympic-athlete fundraisers held across the country, including events in Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and St. John’s.
Gold Medal Plates has raised $11 million for Canadian Olympians since 2004.
