Corporate Sponsor Steps In to Support Canadian Speed Skater's Olympic Dream
In a heartwarming turn of events, Canadian long-track speed skater and Olympic medalist Ted-Jan Bloemen will no longer have to part with his cherished Olympic memorabilia to finance his family's journey to the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. A timely corporate sponsorship has provided the financial relief needed to keep his Olympic memories intact while ensuring his loved ones can join him in Italy.
From Facebook Marketplace to Corporate Support
The Dutch-Canadian athlete had taken to Facebook Marketplace in mid-January, listing his official Lululemon opening and closing ceremony kits from the 2022 Beijing Olympics for sale. In his post, Bloemen wrote, "Support my journey to the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics by buying this Lululemon kit from the previous Winter Olympics." The items were priced between $35 and $500, representing not just gear but tangible pieces of his Olympic history.
This public appeal caught the attention of staff at Corona Cero, an official Olympic sponsor. Natalie Lucas, head of Above Core Brands at Labatt Breweries of Canada, explained the company's reaction: "It really resonated with us because as a brand, one of our platforms is Golden Moments and highlighting athlete's golden moments on their way to the Olympics and also while they're at the Olympics."
Lucas continued, "To see an athlete who is selling their best memories that are their golden moments in order to go with their family to the Olympics didn't sit right with us. We didn't want him to have to give that up."
A $20,000 Solution
Corona Cero reached out to Bloemen directly and presented him with a $20,000 cheque. According to Lucas, this gesture was intended "to alleviate the stress and pressure he was feeling" about funding his family's Olympic experience. The sponsorship ensures that Bloemen can focus on his training and competition without the financial burden that had led him to consider selling his memorabilia.
In a show of gratitude, Bloemen posted an Instagram clip on Thursday featuring him speed skating through a rink before enjoying a cold Corona Cero. Lucas emphasized that this was entirely the athlete's initiative: "That was on his own. We never asked him for anything."
Bloemen's Impressive Career
Ted-Jan Bloemen began competing for the Canadian national speed skating team in 2014, after previously representing the Netherlands in international competitions. His Olympic achievements include:
- Gold and silver medals at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics
- Former world record holder for the 5,000-meter event set in Salt Lake City
- Olympic record holder for the 10,000-meter race at the 2018 Games
This sponsorship not only preserves Bloemen's personal Olympic history but also supports his continued pursuit of excellence as he prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The story highlights the challenges many athletes face in funding their Olympic journeys and the meaningful impact corporate sponsors can have when they step in to support athletic dreams.
