Major sporting events inspire nearly 40 per cent of Ontarians
or their kids to get involved in sport
TORONTO, April 1, 2015 /CNW/ - A new CIBC
(TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) poll finds that the majority of Ontarians
(75 per cent) believe it is important for Canada's amateur athletes to perform well at
major international sporting events like this summer's TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.
In addition to having the power to connect Canadians through a
mutual love of sport, the poll shows that nearly 40 per cent
say major international multi-sport events like the Pan Am/Parapan
Am Games inspire them to get off the couch and get involved in
sport or enroll their children in sport. Further,
one-in-five have tried a new sport or returned to a sport
following a major international sporting event.
"We all know the impact spectators can have on an athlete's
performance, but I am always amazed at the number of people I've
met over the years who were inspired to get involved in sport just
because they saw me or a fellow athlete compete on the world
stage," says CIBC Team Next mentor Mary
Spencer, who made history by claiming the first women's
boxing gold medal at the Pan Am Games in Guadalajara in 2011. "It's great for
Canada that the Games are being
held here because so many more young people will be exposed to
sport."
Key poll findings:
- 75 per cent of Ontarians say it's important Canadian
amateur athletes perform well on the international sports
stage
-
- More than half (56 per cent) say it instills national
pride
- Almost a quarter (24 per cent) say how well our athletes
perform on the world stage encourages participation in sport
- 13 per cent say it encourages them to adopt healthy and
active lifestyles
- 37 per cent say major sporting events inspire them to
get involved in sport or their children involved in sport
- 91 per cent of Ontarians have never attended a major
international sporting event
In terms of financial support, almost three-quarters (73 per
cent) believe Canada's amateur
athletes should receive government funding, and almost half do not
think the government (48 per cent) or the business community
(49 per cent) provide enough funding.
"The support amateur athletes receive from corporate
sponsorships, like the CIBC Team Next program, is essential for our
success and our participation in the Games," says Patricia
Bezzoubenko, a rhythmic gymnastics star in CIBC Team Next program
from Thornhill, who divides her
training time between Toronto and
Moscow and took home six gold
medals from last year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. "Without this kind of funding so many
great Canadian athletes would simply fall through the cracks and
never have a chance to participate or to inspire others to
participate on the world stage."
A joint survey by CIBC and KidSport™ last year revealed that one
third of Canadian children, between three and 17 years old, don't
participate in organized sport largely due to the cost, a
staggeringly high number when youth obesity has been on the rise.
Yet, as many as 71 per cent of Canadians believe participating in
organized sport is part of being Canadian.
Interviews with CIBC Team Next mentors and athletes are
available upon request.
KEY POLL FINDINGS
Do you think it is important for Canada to perform well on the international
sports stage?
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
75% |
No |
|
|
|
|
14% |
I'm not sure |
|
|
|
|
11%
|
Of those Ontarians who think it's important for Canada to perform well on the international
sports stage, the main reasons cited were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Age |
|
Total |
Male |
Female |
18-34 |
35-54 |
55+ |
Instills national pride |
56% |
55% |
57% |
52% |
55% |
61% |
Encourages participation in sport |
24% |
27% |
22% |
23% |
27% |
23% |
Fosters a healthy, active lifestyle |
13% |
11% |
15% |
16% |
12% |
13% |
Creates a lasting sport legacy |
6% |
6% |
6% |
9% |
6% |
3% |
Other |
1% |
1% |
- |
1% |
1% |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From March 9th to
March 10th, 2015 an online
survey was conducted among 805 randomly selected adult Ontario residents who are Angus Reid Forum
panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling
variability—is +/- 3.4%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been
statistically weighted according to the most current education,
age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample
representative of the entire adult population of Ontario. Discrepancies in or between totals
are due to rounding.
About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution
with 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our
three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth
Management and Wholesale Banking - CIBC offers a full range of
products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking
network, branches and offices across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. You
can find other news releases and information about CIBC on our
corporate website at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/.
About CIBC's Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Sponsorship
As the Lead Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games CIBC is
committed to enriching Canadian communities through the power of
sport. Through our investments we will create a lasting legacy by
funding next-generation athletes, encouraging the volunteer spirit
of our employees, helping finance landmark venues and engaging our
diverse communities while fusing sport with arts and culture. To
learn more visit www.cibc.com/ca/features/panamgames.html.
SOURCE Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce