WINNIPEG, July 20, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Swimming Canada Natation to host the CAN AM Para-Swimming Championships. The event is being held from July 20 to 22, 2012, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
"The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Swimming Canada Natation for the CAN AM Para-Swimming Championships," said Minister of State Gosal. "I convey my best wishes to our athletes in their pursuit of excellence here at home in Canada."
"Hosting international sport events like these championships offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best in the world while bringing about a welcome boost to the local economy," said Minister Toews. "Our athletes serve as outstanding role models, particularly for our young people, and their accomplishments are an inspiration to Canadians of all ages and abilities. Good luck to all the athletes."
"We would like to thank the Government of Canada for their continued investment in Paralympic sport," said Pierre Lafontaine, Chief Executive Officer and National Coach for Swimming Canada Natation. "Investing in the CAN AM Para-Swimming Championships allows us to grow the sport and future Paralympians."
Swimming Canada Natation serves as the national governing body of competitive swimming. Swimming Canada Natation's vision of "Swimming to Win; Winning for Life!" reflects the lifelong attributes of the sport. The federation comprises 75,000 members and 400 swim clubs across the country. Canadians are leaders in high-performance swimming and development for swimmers with disabilities.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. Funding of $50,000 has been provided for this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. In 2011-12, Swimming Canada Natation received more than $5.3 million from Sport Canada's Sport Support Program.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Jenny Van Alstyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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