Harper Government Supports the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation Ice Hockey Women's World Championship

OTTAWA, Oct. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Hockey Canada in support of the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey Women's World Championship. The event will be held from April 2-9, 2013, in Ottawa.

"Today, on International Day of the Girl, the Harper Government is pleased to announce support for an event that will offer our Canadian women athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the world's best on home soil as they continue to be a huge inspiration to a younger generation of hockey players," said Minister of State Gosal. "Hosting the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship will not only provide an economic boost to the Ottawa region, it will also demonstrate that Canada is truly a leading sport nation."

Hockey Canada is the governing body for amateur hockey in Canada and is one of 72 members of the International Ice Hockey Federation. National teams from eight countries will compete in the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship.

The Harper Government is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. A contribution of $500,000 was provided to Hockey Canada through Sport Canada's Hosting Program in support of this event. The Government of Canada also committed approximately $3.4 million to Hockey Canada in 2012-2013 through the Sport Support Program and, in 2011-2012, nearly $700,000 was provided from the Athlete Assistance Program to assist 82 women hockey players 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.)