WHISTLER, BC, Nov. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), John Weston, Member of Parliament (West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton for the 2012 Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (FIBT) Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup in Whistler. This event is being held on November 23 and 24 at the Whistler Sliding Centre.
"The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton for the 2012 FIBT Bobsleigh and Skeleton 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 Mr. Weston. "Our athletes serve as outstanding role models, particularly for our young people, and their accomplishments are an inspiration to Canadians of all ages and abilities. Good luck to all the competitors."
"Thanks to the Government of Canada's generous financial support, the nation's bobsleigh and skeleton athletes have celebrated more than 200 international medals around the world over the last decade," said Don Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. "Be it investments in programming through the Own the Podium program, or event hosting, the Harper Government has given our athletes a competitive advantage and the determination to see the Canadian flag raised above the World Cup podium each time we hit the start line. We are excited to be back at the Whistler Sliding Centre this week to celebrate more great Canadian sporting moments."
Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton is a non-profit organization and the national governing body for the sports of bobsleigh and skeleton in Canada.
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 $50,000 in support of this event was provided to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government of Canada has approved approximately $2.4 million to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton in 2012-2013 through the Sport Support Program. In 2011-2012, nearly $657,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to assist 58 bobsleigh and skeleton athletes with training and living expenses.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
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