Athletic Champion

“My Mom, Dad and sports have given me everything in the world. As a young person, sports allowed me to leave my hometown of Belleville, Ontario, to play hockey in Austria. When I came back to Canada, I attended the University of Ottawa and played varsity hockey. Playing on a team allows you to learn things that, at the time, you don’t even realize you’re learning. You learn how to play a role, how to get along with others for a common cause – and sometimes you get to lead. It’s an excellent way of getting experience for the real world.

“Eight years ago, when I moved back from the U.S. to Canada to start my own company, I was introduced to some Olympic athletes at a fundraising lunch. They inspired me so much that I wanted to help them with their training. Most of these athletes live at or below the poverty line; at one point I was helping to support about a dozen. They give so much to our country and ask for so little in return. They’re tremendous role models for youth.

“I love what the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport stands for. Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver all have an important legacy from their Olympic Games. Ontario has never hosted the Games, so there’s a lack of great venues for high-performance athletes. The Goldring Centre will help fill this void – and help young athletes fulfil their dreams.”

Kevin Reed is the chairman and CEO of Blue Goose Capital and the campaign chair for the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.