Harper Government Supports the 2012 Rockstar Ski Cross Grand Prix

COLLINGWOOD, ON, Feb. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour, and Member of Parliament (Simcoe-Grey), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to the 2012 Rockstar Ski Cross Grand Prix.

"The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Alpine Canada for the 2012 Rockstar Ski Cross Grand Prix," said Minister of State Gosal. "This event will provide some of Canada's top ski cross athletes with the opportunity to compete against other world-class athletes and continue their pursuit of excellence."

"I am pleased to welcome athletes, coaches, and visitors from around the world to Ontario," said Dr. Leitch. "I congratulate the organizers and volunteers for helping showcase this beautiful region to our guests and for facilitating the economic boost to the community that this event brings."

Alpine Canada Alpin, the governing body for alpine ski racing in Canada, represents more than 50,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteer members, as well as over 200,000 supporting members. It manages the high-performance programs for the athletes of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, the Canadian Ski Cross Team, and the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team who represent Canada throughout the world.

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 $50,000 was provided to Alpine Canada Alpin through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government of Canada also committed $4.775 million in 2011-2012 to Alpine Canada Alpin through the Sport Support Program.

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

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