Government of Canada Supports the FINA 10 km Marathon Swimming World Cup and the Traversée Internationale du Lac St-Jean

ROBERVAL, QC, July 24, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Swimming Canada Natation to host the 2013 FINA 10 km Marathon Swimming World Cup (Open Water). The event is being held on July 26, 2013, in Roberval during the annual Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean, which is taking place from July 20 to 28.

"The FINA 10 km Marathon Swimming World Cup is an event the Government of Canada is proud to support through Sport Canada's Hosting Program," said Minister of State Gosal. "I wish good luck to all of the participants from around the world."

"Hosting international sport events such as this World Cup provides a great boost to our local economy and an opportunity for our athletes to achieve their podium goals here at home," said Minister Lebel. "I extend a warm welcome to all the visitors to this beautiful region of Quebec for the Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean."

A contribution of $50,000 was provided to Swimming Canada Natation through Sport Canada's Hosting Program for the 2013 FINA 10 km Marathon Swimming World Cup (Open Water). Hosting the event will provide 20 Canadian athletes with a competitive opportunity. It will also involve 10 Canadian coaches and 30 Canadian officials.

The Government of Canada has also provided funding of $10,400 for the Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For more information (media only), please contact:

Robert Lynch
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.)