GATINEAU, QC, May 18, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) in support of the Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau. The event is being held in Gatineau from May 18 to 21, 2012.
"Our Government is proud to provide support to the Canadian Cycling Association for the Grand Prix Cycliste Gatineau," said Minister of State Gosal. "This event offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best cyclists in the world, while providing a welcome economic boost to the local community."
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I welcome all cyclists and visitors from Canada and around the world to Gatineau," said Minister Paradis. "I extend my best wishes to the athletes in their pursuit of excellence here at home in Canada".
"The Canadian Cycling Association is very appreciative of the support from the Government of Canada's Hosting Program for this prestigious international race," said Greg Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer / Secretary General of the CCA. "We look forward to an outstanding weekend of racing on one of the best circuits in Canada."
The CCA is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in Canada. It is committed to developing and delivering programs for men and women—including athletes with disabilities—in the disciplines of BMX, cyclo-cross, mountain bike, road, track, and para-cycling. The CCA is an affiliated member of the Union Cycliste Internationale, the organization that oversees the sport internationally.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. Funding of $50,000 has been provided for this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. In 2011-2012, the CCA received close to $3.4 million from the Sport Support Program, as well as and almost $1 million from the Athlete Assistance Program to help 82 athletes with living and training expenses.
(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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