OTTAWA – Canada’s top swimming stars have put their Olympic and Paralympic swimsuits on the block for the inaugural Swimming Canada online fundraising auction, which opened Sunday and runs through Nov. 28.

Canada’s most decorated Olympian Penny Oleksiak will put the suit in which she won her record seventh medal up for the auction, complete with her autograph, among more than 60 items up for auction.

“I am happy to support Swimming Canada’s inaugural auction and I hope my historic suit helps raise funds to support all swimmers in their preparations for Paris 2024,” said Oleksiak.

Ten-time Paralympic medalist Aurélie Rivard has also donated to the first-time initiative, putting her gold medal winning suit from the 400-m freestyle S10 up for grabs – a race in which she broke her own world record.

Rivard said the suit holds a special place in her heart, “I have such great recent memories of wearing this suit in Tokyo and I am happy to share those with a Canadian swimming fan while also supporting Swimming Canada.”

Other donors have provided a wide range of auction items, from exclusive experiences to autographed sports memorabilia and event tickets. Funds raised will help Canadian swimmers reach their goals and continue the success achieved at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games as they build towards Paris 2024. A portion of the net funds raised on “Games worn” items will be paid back to the athletes or a charity of their choice.

“We are very excited to bring this inaugural auction to life on the heels of our strong performances at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and as we approach the holiday and gift giving season,” said Swimming Canada Marketing Director Alan Raphael.

“Huge thanks go out to our numerous partners for the amazing contributions of product, autographed items and experiences, all to support swimming in Canada. In addition, with the generous donations by our Olympic and Paralympic athletes with signed ‘Games worn’ items, it will be an opportunity to own a piece of Olympic and Paralympic history.

“This will be a can’t miss auction.”

Canada’s 26-member Olympic swimming team won six medals in Tokyo as Oleksiak became Canada’s most decorated Olympian with seven medals. Meanwhile the 19-member Paralympic Games squad stepped to the podium eight times, led by Aurélie Rivard with five medals.

A full list of items up for auction is available at www.swimauction.ca.