Harper Government Supports Canadian Tire Jumpstart

BRAMPTON, ON, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Canadian Tire Jumpstart for 2011-2012 in Brampton, Ontario at the kickoff of the Learn to Swim Program for new Canadians.

"Our Government is pleased to provide continued funding to Canadian Tire Jumpstart, which in turn provides support to programs like the Brampton Jumpstart Learn to Swim Program for new Canadians," said Minister of State Gosal. "With this funding, more children across Canada will have the opportunity to access sport, to become more active, and to share the pleasure of sport with others. Canadian Tire Jumpstart is making a real difference in the life of many young Canadians."

"I am once again grateful and pleased with the support that the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada, has given to Jumpstart," said Dan Thompson, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart. "This gift alone will give us the opportunity to help over 7,000 children get involved in organized sport or recreation this year—a chance they may not have otherwise had."

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program that helps financially disadvantaged children participate in organized sport and recreation by covering registration, equipment, and/or transportation costs. Since 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has helped give more than 400,000 Canadian children the chance to play, and the program is still growing. To lend your support, visit Canadian Tire Jumpstart at www.canadiantire.ca/jumpstart.

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 up to $1,000,000 was provided to Canadian Tire Jumpstart in 2011-2012 through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)