LAC-MÉGANTIC, QC, June 28, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, Minister of State (Agriculture) and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Swimming Canada Natation to host the 2012 FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup - Lac-Mégantic. The event is being held on August 11, 2012, at Lac-Mégantic, Quebec.
"The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Swimming Canada Natation for the 2012 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup," 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 this World Cup 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 Paradis. "Good luck to all the athletes and congratulations to the organizers and community volunteers for their work again this year."
"We appreciate the continued support from the Government of Canada for this event and for sport in Canada," said Pierre Lafontaine, Chief Executive Officer and National Coach for Swimming Canada Natation. "We are extremely excited to be back this year in Lac-Mégantic. Canada has a rich history of open water swimming, and with this financial support we will again be able to bring the world to Canada, to Lac-Mégantic, and to Piopolis. Hosting international events such as the FINA 10km Marathon World Cup in Lac-Mégantic is great for the development of our sport."
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 2011-2012, Swimming Canada Natation received more than $5.3 million from Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, and almost $1.4 million was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to support 123 swimmers with living and training expenses.
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.)
Share this article