The Pentathlon des neiges and the prestigious Winter Triathlon World Cup are returning to Québec City

$110,000 in financial assistance from the Government of Canada will allow these events to maintain their momentum

QUÉBEC CITY, Feb. 21, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The famed Pentathlon des neiges, a one-of-a-kind multi-sport event, will once again be hosting the prestigious International Triathlon Union (ITU) S3 Winter Triathlon World Cup, bringing athletes from all backgrounds, visitors and foreign reporters to Québec City.

The triathlon, a high-performance sport discipline, experienced renewed growth when it broke onto the winter scene in 2014 as a result of the Groupe Pentathlon's initiative. Building on this success and the increasing popularity of the Pentathlon des neiges, the non-profit organization will receive a non-repayable contribution of $110,000 from the Government of Canada.

The funding, announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, will help support the promotion of these unique sport events outside Quebec and worldwide, as well as showcase Quebec's winter attractions abroad. CED's assistance, awarded under its Quebec Economic Development Program, covers the years 2019 and 2020.

As the flagship event of the 15th Pentathlon des neiges, the International Triathlon Union S3 Winter Triathlon World Cup will take place on the Plains of Abraham on February 24. Elite and amateur athletes will face off in running, skating and cross-country skiing races. In addition to this competition, the Pentathlon des neiges, to be held from February 23 to March 3, features solo, tandem and team races in five disciplines: cycling, running, cross-country skiing, skating and snowshoeing. These increasingly popular competitions are making their mark among winter sport events, to the delight of athletes and visitors alike.

Tourism provides an excellent opportunity for economic development in Canada. The Government of Canada's support for sport events like these reflects its willingness to support actions that generate substantial economic and media benefits in the regions where these events are held. 

Quotes

"Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries across the globe. That is why the Government of Canada wholeheartedly supports projects that have a positive impact on tourism and the local economy. In addition to their direct benefits, these sport events help raise the greater Québec City area's profile on the international stage."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The Pentathlon des neiges and its many races, including the prestigious International Triathlon Union (ITU) S3 Winter Triathlon World Cup, provide an exceptional backdrop for promoting tourism and winter sports. We commend the work of the organizers and the many volunteers who have developed an engaging, original sporting event whose popularity continues to grow well beyond our borders."

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec and Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

"The Pentathlon des neiges' original and diverse programming includes the ITU S3 Winter Triathlon World Cup, which continues to gain popularity. CED's assistance will help us increase our promotion efforts outside Quebec and build excitement among winter sport enthusiasts at home and abroad."

François Calletta, Director General, Groupe Pentathlon

Quick facts

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. 

• The funding was awarded under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program. For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]