Harper Government Supports the 2012 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup

MONT-SAINTE-ANNE, QC, June 22, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament (Mégantic-L'Érable), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Cycling Canada Cyclisme in support of the 2012 UCI (International Cycling Union) Mountain Bike World Cup. The event is being held on June 23 and 24 at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec.

"The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Cycling Canada Cyclisme for the 2012 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup," said Minister of State Gosal. "This event offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best in the world, while also bringing a welcome economic boost to the local community."

"I am pleased to welcome cyclists and coaches from around the world to beautiful Mont-Sainte-Anne," said Minister Paradis. "Our athletes are an inspiration to Canadians of all ages and they serve as outstanding role models. I wish them, and everyone else taking part in this event, all the best for a successful competition."

"Cycling Canada Cyclisme is pleased to recognize the support of the Government of Canada to host this important World Cup on the road to the Olympic Games in London," said Greg Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of Cycling Canada Cyclisme. "The Mont-Sainte-Anne World Cup has been consistently ranked at the top of the World Cup tour due to the great support of the local cycling community and the superb organization of the Mountain Bike World Cup Mont-Sainte-Anne organizers. We look forward to a great weekend of racing."

Cycling Canada Cyclisme is the national sport organization responsible for the organization and promotion of cycling in Canada. Its mission is to create and sustain an effective system that develops talented Canadian cyclists to achieve Olympic, Paralympic, and World Championship medal performances.

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 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup. Sport Canada's Sport Support Program provided almost $3.4 million to Cycling Canada Cyclisme 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
[e-mail]

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]a

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