Actually, you may be surprised to know that the Canadian Olympic Committee receives less than 3% of its funding from government sources.  COC revenue comes from sponsors, and from the interest on the COC's share of the surplus capital from the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games. 

Bedford, I was wondering where you got the information that they only received less than 3% of funding?

Hi Rachel, Rygus and David, 

Thanks for your comments. With only eleven months to go to the Games there is an urgent need to support our athletes with the crucial funds required for the Own the Podium 2010 program for their final year of intensive training and preparation.

Yes Canadian Governments do provide funds to sports and the Olympics, and yes as David Bedford indicated, the COC itself receives a small amount of funding from government sources. Leading up to the games, we are seeking more support in this crucial last year.

The really positive news is that many Canadians have indicated that they would like to donate to support the athletes and to support our podium success. This interest is demonstrated already by the inspiring comments received to date from our donors on the reasons to give page of this site.   David Armour  Canadian Olympic Foundation

The COC should take this new controversy about Seal Skins on the Canadian Athletes' uniforms and use the spotlight to disseminate the knowledge that the COC receives very little funding from government and needs private/ corporate donations. By strongly and publicly condemning Parliament's vote regarding seal skins on the uniforms, the COC would gain the public forum to further elicit funds from alternative sources.

As the previous posters indicate from their responses, very few people know how little the government is involved in athlete funding. Use the spotlight to engage the government on their ridiculousness and help the athletes gain funding.

The controversy to which I am referring can be found here:

http://www.vancouversun.com/Business/Canadian%20vote%20include%20seal%20skin%20Olympic%20uniforms/1570380/story.html