RICHMOND, BC, June 15, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament (Richmond), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association in support of the 2012 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. The event is being held from June 21 to 23, 2012, at the Richmond Oval.
"Our Government is pleased to support this prestigious event that will provide an excellent opportunity to show off the incredible talent and determination of our wheelchair rugby athletes," said Minister of State Gosal. "Our athletes are a source of great pride and inspiration to Canadians across our country, and we are proud to support them on the road to London 2012."
"I am delighted that this extremely competitive and exciting tournament, in which our national team athletes can demonstrate their skills, has returned to Richmond," said Minister of State Wong. "I congratulate the event's organizers and volunteers from our community on the hosting of this event, which will bring a welcome boost to the local economy."
The Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament was created in 2004 by the BC Wheelchair Sports Association in order to provide another elite competition opportunity in wheelchair rugby. The Canada Cup takes place every two years and is considered the most prestigious wheelchair rugby tournament outside of a World Championship or Paralympic Games.
"The Canada Cup tournament is vitally important to our athletes' preparation for the London 2012 Paralympics," said Cathy Cadieux, Executive Director of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association. "We are grateful for the generous support that we have received from the Government of Canada both in this initiative and in others."
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. The Government of Canada has provided $50,000 from Sport Canada's Hosting Program for the 2012 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. Sport Canada's Sport Support Program provided more than $1.3 million to the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association during the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
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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