Prince Edward Island Potatoes Will Power Olympic Gold Medalist Heather Moyse

Heather Moyse, Olympic Gold Medalist in Women’s Bobsleigh and native of Summerside, PEI, has embarked on a pursuit of excellence to represent Canada at the elite level in a third national sport. PEI Potatoes will accompany her on this journey. Currently a member of the Canadian Women’s Bobsleigh team and a member of the Canadian Senior Women’s rugby team (which will become an Olympic sport at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro), Moyse announced she will challenge herself in track cycling.

“Heather already has good recognition in Canada as a gold medalist at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver,” says PEI Potato Board Chairman Gary Linkletter, “and participation at the elite sports level in the buildup for the 2012 Summer Games will only increase her exposure both in Canada and internationally. Moyse will promote the awareness of PEI Potatoes and the value of potatoes as part of a nutritious and balanced diet.”

“We believe Heather Moyse truly exemplifies our brand. We are from the smallest province, but our potato growers share the same commitment to excellence that Heather displays in the sport field. This partnership will allow us to make an impact internationally,” says Kendra Mills, Marketing Director of the PEI Potato Board. “The blood, sweat, heart, soul, pride, work ethic and passion of Island potato farmers is what makes this industry turn, and it is these same characteristics that have made Heather a role model both on and off the playing field that all Canadians should aspire to be. We look forward to having Heather represent PEI Potatoes, and helping her achieve excellence in her new journey.”

The partnership marks the first major sponsorship for Moyse since standing on the podium at the Whistler Sliding Centre in 2010.

“Travelling around the world and competing for my country, I have never lost sight of my roots and who I am,” said Moyse. “It is extremely gratifying for me to know I have the Island and its biggest industry behind me. PEI Potatoes and I share similar objectives. We are going to set big goals and achieve excellence together.”

Heather will sport the PEI Potato logo on her bike at international qualifying meets, make special appearances on behalf of the PEI Potato industry and promote the nutritional benefits of eating potatoes and the many ways that potatoes can provide a good source of nutrients in convenient ways that fit into a hectic lifestyle.

Moyse was first introduced to cycling by a friend while rehabbing her ankle injury in the fall of 2010. Moyse connected with a local cycling coach last spring after realizing sprint cycling would be a way to maintain her power, strength and speed without impacting her ankle. After gaining familiarity on a road bike in June, the powerful Canuck researched the sport in greater detail which included gaining more information from multiple summer and winter Olympic medallist, Clara Hughes, who led Moyse to National Team coach, Tanya Dubnicoff.

Canada’s track cycling team carries a maximum training base squad of 15 athletes for optimal training in Los Angeles. Moyse will attempt to qualify for the team in September by meeting the appropriate standards. Once qualifying for the training group, Dubnicoff will work with Moyse to develop a schedule to begin competitions.

Source: Prince Edward Island Potato Boar