Canadian Olympic Committee Selects Two Vancouver Residents for Key Health Care Positions at Pan American Games

    VANCOUVER, May 24 /CNW/ - The Canadian Olympic Committee has appointed
two Vancouver residents, Dr. Mike Wilkinson and Marc Rizzardo, to the
positions of Chief Medical Officer and Chief Therapist for the Canadian team
at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
    As Canada's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Wilkinson will be responsible for
managing and supervising a multi-disciplinary health care team as well as all
the health care support services that will be provided to the entire Canadian
team.
    A physician with extensive experience in sports medicine, Dr. Wilkinson
previously served as a member of Canada's medical services team at the 2004
Olympic Games in Athens. Throughout his 20-year career, Dr. Wilkinson has
served as a team physician for a variety of National Sport Federations and
professional sport organizations including Rowing Canada Aviron, Rugby Canada,
the Vancouver Canucks and the Vancouver Canadians (Class A) baseball team.
    In May 2006, Dr. Wilkinson was named the Director of Medical Services for
the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter
Games (VANOC). In his role as Director of Medical Services, Dr. Wilkinson is
responsible for the planning and implementation of all medical services for
the Games.
    As the Canadian team's Chief Therapist, Rizzardo will assist Dr.
Wilkinson with the coordination and supervision of all health care support
services in Rio de Janeiro.
    The owner of the Metrotown Orthopedic and Sports Physiotherapy clinic in
Burnaby, Rizzardo has more than 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist.
Prior to joining Canada's Pan American Games team, Rizzardo served as a
medical services team member for Canada at the 1997 World University Games in
Sicily, Italy. He has also held the position of sport specific therapist at
the 2001 and 1999 World University Games as well as at the 1984 Olympic Games
in Los Angeles.
    In addition to representing Canada at several multi-sport Games, Rizzardo
has worked as a physiotherapist for a number of prominent sport organizations
including the Canadian Soccer Association, Fencing Canada and the Minnesota
Wild (NHL) hockey team.
    Recently, VANOC named Rizzardo to the host medical team for the 2010
Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. During the Games, Rizzardo will serve as a
therapist for the hockey events.
    The 2007 Pan American Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro from July
13-29, 2007.

    The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit
organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects
of Canada's involvement in the Olympic movement, including Canada's
participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of
programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and
educational means. For more information, see the COC website: www.olympic.ca.

For further information: Media Contact: Eric Michalko, Manager, Media
Relations, Canadian Olympic Committee, Office: (416) 324-4146, Cell: (416)
528-6742, Email: emichalko@olympic.ca