QUÉBEC CITY, Dec. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament (Lévis-Bellechasse), on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Cross Country Canada and the Corporation événements d'hiver de Québec for the Sprint Québec 2012 - FIS Cross-Country World Cup. This event is being held in Québec City from December 7 to 9, 2012.
"The Government of Canada is proud to provide support to Cross Country Canada for the Sprint Québec 2012 - FIS Cross-Country World Cup," said Minister of State Gosal. "Our cross country skiers are among the best in the world, and I am confident that they will continue to provide exciting performances and podium finishes as they set their sights on the 2014 Sochi Games."
"By lending financial support to Sprint Québec 2012, the Government of Canada is acknowledging the importance of supporting the promotion of this sporting event outside the province, which will help extend the reach and influence of Quebec around the world," said Minister Lebel.
"Hosting international sport events like this World Cup competition offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best in the world, while bringing about a welcome boost to the local economy," said Minister Blaney. "The world's top cross country skiers are gathered in historic Québec City, where they will experience the richness of the region thanks to the dedication of the organizers and volunteers."
The Sprint Québec 2012 - FIS Cross-Country World Cup will attract 150 athletes from 17 countries. The event is a Senior World Cup and will benefit the development of Canadian high-performance athletes, coaches, and officials.
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 $250,000 in support of this event was provided to Cross Country Canada through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government of Canada also provided $1,657,000 to Cross Country Canada in 2012-2013 through the Sport Support Program. In 2011-2012, nearly $479,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to assist 44 cross country ski athletes with training and living expenses.
Non-repayable support of $125,000 from Canada Economic Development will support a marketing campaign for the event outside of Quebec with a television production that highlights both the competition and the Québec City region. This funding is being provided through the Quebec Economic Development Program and is contingent upon compliance with the Government of Canada's funding allocation process and the signing of a contribution agreement between Canada Economic Development and the Corporation événements d'hiver de Québec.
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]
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
514-496-1282
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development
514-283-8818
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
Keep up with the latest news from Canada Economic Development by visiting www.dec-ced.gc.ca or subscribing to @CanEconDev on Twitter.
Share this article