CALGARY, Dec. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Rob Anders, Member of Parliament (Calgary West), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Hockey Canada in support of the 2012 World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Calgary.
"The Government of Canada is committed to promoting barrier-free high-performance sport and athletic excellence at every opportunity, and we are pleased to provide financial support to this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program," said Minister of State Gosal. "Our athletes are an enormous source of pride and serve as role models for all Canadians."
"By investing in sport, we provide not only a welcome boost to the local economy, but also opportunities for our athletes to compete against elite international teams," said Mr. Anders. "This adaptable facility, for which the Government of Canada is pleased to have provided financial support, is a testament to the commitment that Canada has made to provide opportunities to all athletes."
Canada's National Sledge Hockey Team is the reigning gold medallist of this annual tournament and will defend their title against teams from Japan, Norway, and the United States.
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 was provided to Hockey Canada for this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government of Canada has also committed approximately $3.4 million to Hockey Canada for 2012-2013 through the Sport Support Program. Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program provided almost $322,000 in 2011-2012 to assist 24 Canadian sledge hockey athletes with living and training expenses.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
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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