Carol Anne Letheren, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, chief executive officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COA) and board member of the Toronto Olympic Bid Committee (TO-2008) passed away in a Toronto hospital early Friday morning.
She collapsed Wednesday night while giving a speech at an awards dinner and never regained consciousness. Sources say she died of a brain aneurysm.
In a press release the IOC said, “her contribution to Olympism and sport was truly exceptional. The IOC expresses its deepest sympathy to Mrs. Letheren’s family, her numerous friends and acquaintances around the world, as well as the Canadian Olympic Association and the country’s sports community”.
The Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid Committee (TO-2008) said, “Carol Anne’s life work strengthened the Olympic movement in Canada and around the world. She constantly promoted the Olympic spirit and Olympic values. Her passing is a great loss to us all. Carol Anne’s support, advice and hard work on behalf of Toronto and its bid for the 2008 Olympic Games brought together many who dare to dream and believe in bringing something beautiful to Canada. We at T0-2008 join with thousands of athletes, artists, architects, tradespeople and Canadians who are proud to continue her work”.
John Bitove, President and CEO of TO-2008 said “Carol Anne’s passion for sport and education helped build TO-2008”.
And Toronto’s Mayor Mel Lastman said it was a terrible blow to the city, the country and the Olympic community around the world.
