TORONTO Today, Subaru Canada challenged Canadians to rally behind and support their amateur athletes.

Canadians answered the call through a public gathering at Yonge Dundas Square, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Canada Games.

Dance students from The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts kicked off the event by banding together to create a 75-foot, larger-than-life Canada Games human logo with the outer ring formed by the new 2007 Subaru Forester Columbia Edition, maneuvered by precision drivers.

'Subaru Canada is passionate about Canada's amateur athletes and wants to help them achieve their goals, whether it be for the 2007 Canada Winter Games or helping them reach their Olympic dreams,' said Katsuhiro Yokoyama, President, Subaru Canada.

'Subaru Canada is challenging Canadians to demonstrate their support for our amateur athletes, whether it is tuning into the Games or supporting local athletes, only we can help drive Canada to the gold!'

The Canada Games, Canada's largest multi-sport competition for next generation national and international level athletes, will take place next February in Whitehorse, marking the first time the event will be hosted North of 60.

Held every two years, the Games alternate between winter and summer.

Subaru Canada showed their support as a proud major sponsor of the 2007 Games most importantly in their challenge to all Canadians to support our athletes.

In addition to $250,000 in funding for the Games, Subaru will provide Games staff with nine vehicles, six of which are already being used in the territory.

Subaru Canada also demonstrated their commitment to amateur athletes today by presenting a cheque for $100,000 to Jane Roos, Founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Athletes Now Fund, a not-for-profit organization devoted to raising direct funds and creating awareness of Canada's athletes.

'With rigorous training schedules that allow for little time to earn a livelihood, many Canadian athletes have long struggled financially to achieve their dreams of participating in national and international competitions,' added Roos.

'Subaru Canada's generous donation will go directly to Canadian athletes who are looking to compete for Canada.'

Key athletic organizations, VIPs and students all answered Subaru's call and rallied to show their support for Canada's athletes, including multi-bronze medal winner Deidra Dionne and FIS World Cup winner Liisa Savijarvi, as well as Larry Smith, Chairman, Canada Games Council and Jane Roos, Founder and Executive Director, Canadian Athletes Now Fund.

Also on-hand was Whitehorse Mayor Ernie Bourassa, the executive vice-president of the 2007 Games.