Alpine Canada wants to lead one of the best programmes in the sport ©Getty Images

The largest personal donation to Alpine ski racing in Canadian history, CAD1.3 million (£840,000/$960,000/€965,000), has been received from Timothy Dattels, chair of the Board of Alpine Canada.

Last season, Canada’s Alpine, para Alpine, and ski cross teams had their best results in more than a decade and are looking to build on that momentum heading into the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

This donation is expected to help.

"Our athletes need consistent, elevated support throughout their journey to compete with the world’s best, including at the Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Therese Brisson, President and chief executive of Alpine Canada.

"We are very grateful and deeply appreciative of Tim’s leadership and this unprecedented gift.

"It is a game-changer for Alpine Canada's athletes, teams and coaches, and I know Tim is hoping this will inspire more Canadians to join #CANskiteam and stand together with our athletes pursuing podium performances on a global stage."

Jacqueline Ryan, chief executive of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and chief brand and commercial officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee added: "This gift from Tim Dattels is transformational for Alpine ski racing in Canada and a clear endorsement of the sport’s bright future in our country.

"This contribution is truly inspiring, and will support numerous athletes in representing Canada on the world stage and pursuing their Olympic dreams."

A record CAD1.3 million personal donation will help Canada's Alpine and para Alpine skiers prepare for Milan Cortina 2026 ©Getty Images
A record CAD1.3 million personal donation will help Canada's Alpine and para Alpine skiers prepare for Milan Cortina 2026 ©Getty Images

In September 2021, Alpine Canada outlined its ambition to become one of the world's best ski-racing nations through a five-year strategic plan, titled "Made for Canada - The Future for Ski Racing in Canada".

The plan aims to help the country top the medal rankings in Alpine, para Alpine and ski cross disciplines in the next two Olympic and Paralympic cycles.

Canada won one Alpine skiing medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, plus one in ski cross.

Canada won six Alpine skiing medals at this year's Paralympics.

Dattels, a partner at the global investment firm TPG who has served as managing partner of TPG Asia, commented: "I am proud to support our world-class athletes by lessening the financial burden to compete.

"Philanthropy is essential to the success of ski racing in Canada, and the importance of donations cannot be overstated."

Prior to joining TPG in 2004, Dattels served as a partner and managing director of Goldman Sachs.

He was also appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to represent Canada on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council.