QUEST FOR GOLD Athletes Make Ontario Proud!

QUEST FOR GOLD continues to make a difference in the lives of Ontario athletes.

Since our first game launched in 2006, $32.9 million in funding has been generated to help more than 10,000 athletes. A total of 2,138 individual Ontario athletes have received direct financial assistance through the QUEST FOR GOLD Program. An additional 8,000 athletes have also benefited from the funding provided by the QUEST FOR GOLD Program through various competitions and events such as the Ontario Games and Canada Games. These events, along with many others, receive funding through the QUEST FOR GOLD LOTTERY Program.

The athletes say it best:
"Thank you for the QUEST FOR GOLD sponsorship this past season. It makes a huge difference in helping me achieve my goals."
Sean Crooks, Olympic Cross Country Skier

"What you guys do for us is unbelievable, and it makes a world of difference."
Paul Bryant, Sprint Canoeing

QUEST FOR GOLD supported 94 of the 137 Ontario athletes who competed at the 2008 Olympics and 37 of the 43 Ontario athletes at the 2008 Paralympic Games, both held in Beijing, China. It's a success story shared with all Ontarians.

"It helps tremendously. I really appreciate it."
Jennifer Botterill, Women's Hockey

We're making life better for athletes across Ontario – and each time you play QUEST FOR GOLD LOTTERY games, you're supporting them too!

Mark Klevinas Sport: Canoe A three-time senior C2 (two-person canoe) national champion and a four-time (consecutive) senior C4 (four-person canoe)1000m national champion, Mark's accomplishments include placing third in the C4 200m for the World Cup in Szeged, Hungary (2009); fourth in the C4 1000m for the World Cup in Poznan, Poland; second in the C2 1000m, C2 500m, C4 1000m and C4 500m in the Ruhr International Regatta in Bochum, Germany; and fourth in the C2 1000m and sixth in the C2 500m in the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. His goals include competing in the 2012 Olympics (C2 1000m). Anson Henry Sport: Athletics – 100m Anson is a two-time Olympian in the 100m (2004) and 4x100m relay (2008). He received a bronze medal in the 100m at the 2003 Pan American Games and was a finalist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games (100m) and a finalist in the 2007 Pan American Games (100m). Anson was also a finalist in the 2007 World Championships (100m). He is a 2008 Olympian (100m, 4x100m) with a personal best of 10.04 seconds in the 100m. Anson has been in the sport for 13 years and has been on the Canadian national team for nine years. His goals are to be a medallist in the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, and to break the Canadian record in the 100m, which is 9.84 seconds. Dana Ellis Sport: Athletics – Pole Vault Born in Waterloo, Ont., Dana is the seventh-ranked pole vaulter in the world. She came in sixth place at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, fifth place at the 2003 Pan American Games and first place at the 2004 Canadian National Track and Field Championships. She placed sixth at the 2004 Olympic Games. Heather Logan Sport: Cycling Heather is a former hockey player and was a member of the Canadian national team. She began her cycling career in 2008. Heather has competed in the Tour de l'Aude (France), International Tour of Ardèche (France) and the Berne World Cup (Switzerland). Heather aspires to become a member of the Canadian road cycling team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and at the World Championships 2010. John Hastings Sport: Kayaking A member of the Canadian national kayak team, John placed fourth at the 2009 World Championships, took third place at the 2009 Charlotte Open and is a 2008 Canadian national champion. John's goal is to win a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games. Patrick Duffy Sport: Speed Skating The current Ontario Cup champion and a member of the Oakville Speed Skating Club, Patrick went to his first Canadian championship at the age of 13 and has missed only one since. Patrick qualified to skate in the Canadian junior championship in 2007-08, 2008-09, finishing 18th and 19th respectively and earning the distinction of Ontario's top skater. He also represented Ontario at the North American championships and is currently training at the National Training Centre in Montreal. Patrick's goals are to be on the Canadian junior team in 2010 and to attend the Canada Winter Games in 2011 and Sochi in 2014. Michael Somppi Sport: Cross-Country Skiing This will be Michael's eighth season competing in the sport. He won two silver medals and one bronze medal at the 2006 national championship held in Thunder Bay. He placed first in the 19 and under 2007 Canmore Challenge Mountain Running Race and in the North American, Central American and Caribbean Championship (NACAC), which qualified him to represent Canada at the World Mountain Running Championships. Other career highlights include becoming the 2007-08 junior men's Ontario Cup champion and Lakehead University Ski Team's 2006-07 Rookie of the Year and winning two silver medals and one bronze medal at the 2006 national championship. Michael hopes to do well at the selection races for the 2009 Winter Olympic Games.