Length 8.5 cm x Width 6 cm
Rectangular metal sailing plaque for the selection trials for the Olympic games. The top half of the plaque features "KINGSTON 76" in blue text on a grey background across the top, above the stylized CYA (Canadian Yachting Association) logo in the shape of a sailboat in grey on a blue background with a wave motif along the bottom. The bottom half of the plaque has a grey background with a red logo featuring a wave within a circle with a maple leaf at the top. Below the logo in grey text on blue background is "CYA ROTHMANS SAIL CANADA/ OLYMPIC SELECTION TRIALS". There is a small hole in each corner of the plaque.
In 1976, Montreal hosted the Summer Olympic Games, the XXIst Olympiad. The events largely took place in Montreal, but some were held elsewhere; Kingston was chosen as the location for the sailing events, which were held at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour between 19-27 July 1976. Pre-Olympic regattas were held at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, which was reconstructed in 1974 ahead of the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The Olympic Sailing Trials held there in June 1976 were sponsored by the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) and Rothmans, they were critical for determining which athletes would represent Canada in the sailing events.
Rothmans of Pall Mall Limited provided $300,000 in funding to the Canadian Yachting Association – Sail Canada national development program over the four years leading up to the 1976 Olympic Games. Rothmans were also actively involved in CORK (Canadian Olympic training Regatta, Kingston), and by 1976 they had provided $75,000 in funding since CORK’s inception in 1969. The company also provided staffing for regattas, supplied markers and marker boats, rescue boats, press facilities, and undertook promotional work.
