Canada Announced FACE Program 2026 Grant Recipients
Fifty-five athlete-coach pairs have been selected to receive financial grants to support their training and development.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Financial Aid
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The Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Coaching Association of Canada, and Petro-Canada have revealed the 2026 class for the FACE Program. This year, 55 athlete-coach pairs will receive funding to assist with their pursuit of representing Team Canada.
Why it matters
The program provides essential financial assistance to athletes and coaches who do not yet meet the requirements for government funding. This support helps recipients cover training, equipment, education, and travel costs.
Each selected pair receives a $10,000 grant to fund training, travel, equipment, and education. Since the program began in 1988, Petro-Canada has provided over $15 million in support to more than 3,500 athletes and coaches.
The players
Canadian Olympic Committee
This non-profit organization is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic movement.
Canadian Paralympic Committee
This private, non-profit organization is dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement in Canada.
Coaching Association of Canada
This organization empowers coaches and promotes professional development in the Canadian sports system.
Petro-Canada
This is a retail and wholesale brand of Suncor Energy that operates numerous gas stations across the country.
The details
Recipients are chosen from athlete-coach pairs across Canada who are striving to represent the nation on the world stage. The grant serves as a critical bridge for those who have not yet reached the criteria for standard government funding.
Timeline
The FACE program was originally established in 1988.
The 2026 program recipients were officially announced on October 14, 2026.
Culture Shift
The 38-year history of Petro-Canada's FACE program reflects a long-term commitment to amateur sports that contrasts with the volatility of government-funded development cycles. This ongoing partnership highlights the reliance of rising athletes on private-sector backing to reach elite levels.
Selected athletes and coaches will receive $10,000 to manage their personal training expenses and competition travel. This grant reduces the immediate financial burden for those not yet eligible for government subsidies, allowing them to focus on their performance.
The takeaway
Private grants like the FACE program fill essential funding gaps for athletes who are developing their skills but have not yet qualified for government support. Implementing a consistent budget for equipment and travel is often the difference between reaching a national team and dropping out.
Further reading
For more information on support for athletes, visit the Financial Aid section.
More information
View the complete FACE program recipient list on the official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sport Information Resource Centre.
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