Toronto - Cycling fans crowded into a Toronto Canadian Tire store this week hoping for a chance to meet seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Armstrong was at the store to officially announce that his line of LIVESTRONG premium fitness equipment will now be available at selected Canadian Tire stores across Canada. Manufactured by Johnson Health Tech in partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the line includes professional-grade ellipticals, treadmills and exercise bikes.
"Having convenient access to high quality training equipment is one of the keys to the success I've enjoyed throughout my career," said Armstrong, LIVESTRONG founder and chairman. "I know the great feeling of accomplishment that comes with reaching a fitness goal and am proud to be working with Canadian Tire to make LIVESTRONG® equipment available to Canadians to help them meet their goals in the comfort of their own homes."
Aside from his cycling exploits, Lance Armstrong is also a well-known cancer survivor who works tirelessly to raise funds for cancer research. Armstrong said that part of the proceeds of the sale of each piece of LIVESTRONG fitness equipment at Canadian Tire stores will go towards a minimum $4-million donation to the fight against cancer.
"As Canada's largest sporting goods retailer, Canadian Tire is the place where many Canadians go to get the equipment they need to have an active and healthy lifestyle," said John Jobin, vice-president Merchandising for Canadian Tire. "When we were looking to establish a major national home fitness presence, the high quality products of the LIVESTRONG collection and the positive, motivating influence of Lance Armstrong were a perfect fit."