MONTREAL, Oct. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable) and Regional Minister Responsible for Quebec, today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Speed Skating Canada in support of the International Skating Union (ISU) World Cup Short Track in Montréal, Quebec. The event is being held from October 26 to 28, 2012.
"Our Government is pleased to support the ISU World Cup Short Track in Montréal, which will provide our top speed skaters with valuable international competition experience and assist in their pursuit of excellence," said Minister Gosal. "Canada's speed skating athletes are recognized around the world for their tremendous success and dedication to their sport, and this prestigious event will provide an opportunity for fans and a global audience to take in their tremendous talent."
"Hosting events, like the ISU World Cup Short Track, in Quebec provides an opportunity for our top athletes to compete on home soil, while bringing a welcome boost to the local economy," said Minister Paradis. "Canada's speed skaters are an enormous source of pride and inspiration to all Canadians, and we wish them the very best of success as they take on the world's best."
"Canada continues to strengthen its position in the world of short track speed skating through the support of our membership and our valued sponsors," said Ian Moss, Speed Skating Canada's Chief Executive Officer. "The financial contribution from the Government of Canada to the ISU World Cup Short Track at the Canadian National Short Track Centre in Montréal helps in our team's preparation for the Sochi 2014 Olympics."
Speed Skating Canada is the national governing body responsible for the advancement and growth of speed skating in Canada. Its core purpose is to support high-performance excellence at the international level and provide leadership in developmental programs. With 150 skating clubs in 13 provinces and territories, Speed Skating Canada is dedicated to providing skating programs for every skill level in Canada.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. A contribution of $100,000 was provided to Speed Skating Canada through Sport Canada's Hosting Program for this event. The Government of Canada has also committed approximately $4.1 million to Speed Skating Canada for 2012-13 through the Sport Support Program. In 2011-12, approximately $1.25 million was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to support 115 athletes with living and training expenses.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
(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
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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