June 1, 2012
Math Team Canada 2012 chosen for International Mathematical Olympiad
Canada’s Top Math Students Selected for International Mathematical Olympiad
OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) has chosen six of Canada's best high school mathematics students to represent their country at the 2012 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The IMO is the student world championship of mathematics and will be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, from July 8-15.
BACKGROUND
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the world championship high school mathematics competition. The IMO began in 1959 in Romania with seven participating countries. This year, at the 53rd IMO, Math Team Canada 2012 expects to be competing against the world’s best students from over 100 countries. Canada has brought home a total of 20 gold, 43 silver and 73 bronze medals since first competing in 1981.
Canada’s success at the IMO would not be possible without the assistance of our corporate and provincial sponsors. The CMS gratefully acknowledges the support of the following organizations:
- Imperial Oil Foundation
- Sun Life Financial
- NSERC PromoScience
- Samuel Beatty Fund
- Nelson Education
- Government of Alberta
- Government of Manitoba
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Government of Northwest Territories
- Government of Nunavut
- Government of Ontario
- Gouvernement de Québec
- Government of Prince Edward Island
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Government of Yukon
- Banff International Research Station (BIRS)
The members of this year’s Math Team Canada are:
- Matthew Brennan, Upper Canada College (Toronto, ON)
- Calvin Deng, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Cary, NC)
- James Rickards, Colonel By Secondary School (Ottawa, ON)
- Alex Song, Phillips Exeter Academy (Waterloo, ON resident)
- Daniel Spivak, Bayview Secondary School (Toronto, Ontario)
- Kevin Zhou, Woburn Collegiate Institute (Toronto, Ontario)
The team members were selected from among the thousands of students who participated in local, provincial and national mathematics contests across Canada.
“In order to be selected for the IMO, these students have demonstrated an exceptional level of knowledge and dedication,” said CMS President Jacques Hurtubise. “I feel confident that our team is ready to compete against the best and will make Canada proud on the international stage.”
The team, along with coaches and trainers, will be attending an intensive training session at the Banff International Research Station (BIRS) in Banff, Alberta for the two weeks leading up to the IMO.
“The IMO is a lot like the Olympic Games; competitors require a great deal of commitment, preparation and discipline in order to succeed on an international level,” said Robert Morewood, Chair of the CMS committee that selected Canada’s IMO team. “Canada has been participating in the IMO since 1981 and each year we have consistently brought home medals. I am sure this year will be no different.”
For more information, please contact:
|
Dr. Robert Morewood, Chair Chair, IMO Committee Canadian Mathematical Society 604-434-6284 RMorewood@oLc.ubc.ca |
or |
Jessica St-James Communications and Special Projects Officer Canadian Mathematical Society (613) 722-2662 ext. 728 commsp@cms.math.ca |
About the Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS)
The CMS is the main national organization whose goal is to promote and advance the discovery, learning, and application of mathematics. The Society's activities cover the whole spectrum of mathematics including: scientific meetings, research publications, and the promotion of excellence in mathematics education at all levels. The CMS annually sponsors mathematics competitions that recognize outstanding student achievements.
