Olympian Cindy Yelle Named Canadian Olympic Foundation CEO

CindyYelle
Photo Courtesy: Canadian Olympic Committee

The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Olympic Foundation announced Cindy Yelle as the foundation’s CEO Thursday.

Yelle (nee Cindy Ounpuu) competed in the 1984 Olympic Games for Canada. She’s long been involved in health-based philanthropy as the President and CEO of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Foundation and the Senior VP at the SickKids Foundation. She spearheaded the raising of $100 million through the “Where Incredible Happens,” campaign.

“As someone who has lived the life of a high-performance athlete, I understand the importance of supporting current and next generation athletes and coaches with the funds they need to succeed on the field of play,” Yelle said in a press release. “Our athletes and the Olympic Movement unite us and they make us believe in our own potential. It doesn’t matter where we are from, sport is something that brings us all together in such a beautiful and uniquely Canadian way.”

At the Canadian Olympic Foundation, Yelle will oversee fundraising to support athletes in the high-performance program, with an eye toward creating ambassadors of healthy living across the country. Fellow Olympians Charmaine Crooks, Jeff Glass, Steve Podborski and Mark Tewksbury also sit on the foundation’s board.

Cindy Yelle captained the Canadian delegation to the 1986 Commonwealth Games, finaling in both breaststroke events. She swam at the University of Florida from 1985-87, a teammate of Dara Torres and Tami Bruce. The seven-time All-American won the 100 and 200 breast titles at the 1986 NCAA Championships.

The Toronto native who swam at Etobicoke Swim Club was inducted into the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame in 2001.

“We are so pleased to welcome Cindy Yelle to the Canadian Olympic Foundation as Chief Executive Officer,” said Perry Dellelce, Chair of the foundation. “Her exceptional experience in leadership, philanthropy and as an esteemed athlete will bring an incredible momentum to the Foundation’s work and to the Canadian Olympic Movement.”

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Cindy Yelle
Cindy Yelle
4 years ago

Thank you for sharing the news. Incredibly honoured to be promoting the Olympic movement in Canada and beyond!
Cindy Yelle

Linda Hyslop
4 years ago

CongratulationsCindy ??????

2
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x