VANCOUVER, May 4, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam), on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today congratulated the city of Vancouver on being named as one of the host cities of the upcoming the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup™.
"This is great news for Vancouver and all of British Columbia," said Minister Moore. "The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup™ is a first-class competition that attracts tens of thousands high-calibre women athletes from around the world, boosting tourism for all of British Columbia. I look forward to joining soccer fans across Canada as they cheer on our women's national team in the highest level of competition."
"We are extremely grateful to FIFA for providing us with the opportunity to host this most important competition," said Canadian Soccer Association President, Dr. Dominique Maestracci. "The sport of soccer continues to gain momentum both as a participatory and spectator experience in our country, with nearly half of all participants female. We thank the Government of Canada and our provincial and municipal government partners for their outstanding support to ensure we will continue that growth through 2015 and beyond."
Of the close to 400,000 women and girls registered in soccer in 2008, over 50,000 were playing in the province of British Columbia. This is great news for the province and for the sport of soccer as it continues to grow across the country.
The Government of Canada is extremely proud to be an active supporter of this prestigious international event that will once again allow our great nation to shine on the world scene. We look forward to celebrating with FIFA, the Canadian Soccer Association and with Canadian fans from coast to coast as we welcome the world to the province of British Columbia.
The Government of Canada contribution of up to $15 million from Sport Canada's Hosting Program will enable the Canadian Soccer Association to stage this historic event, which will also bring welcome economic benefits to the region by creating jobs and opportunities for Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs before, during and after the event.
(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 Media Room.)
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