OTTAWA, Oct. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Special Olympics Canada on the occasion of Special Olympics Canada - Be a Fan Day.
"Today, I am pleased to join our inspiring Special Olympians in celebrating the first Be a Fan Day," said Minister of State Gosal. "As a proud supporter of Special Olympics Canada, our Government is pleased to help spread awareness of athletes with intellectual disabilities and to recognize the outpouring of community support for these amazing role models. I encourage all Canadians to show their support for this wonderful campaign."
"The Harper Government is proud of our continued commitment to supporting Special Olympics Canada," said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance. "I commend the accomplishments of this organization and, on Special Olympics Canada - Be a Fan Day, I convey my best wishes to everyone who contributes to its successes: volunteers, supporters, coaches, and athletes."
Special Olympics Canada is the Canadian franchise holder for Special Olympics Games. It is a national not-for-profit organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for more than 35,000 athletes of all ages and abilities with an intellectual disability. They are supported by 17,000 volunteers, including more than 13,500 trained coaches.
Special Olympics Canada - Be a Fan day is a nationwide celebration to honour achievements of the past while igniting the flame of hope for the future, to create awareness, to recruit new athletes, coaches and volunteers, and to celebrate the supporters. It also recognizes the important and special relationship that Special Olympics Canada has with the law enforcement community.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. A contribution of approximately $2.9 million was approved for 2012-2013 to support Special Olympics Canada through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
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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