Government of Canada Congratulates Canadian Athletes Who Participated in the XI FINA Championships - Montréal 2005 |
| MONTREAL, July 31, 2005 -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister for Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), today recognized the extraordinary performance of the Canadian athletes who took part in the XI FINA Championships - Montreal 2005, from July 16 to 31. "Canadians across the country were impressed with the quality of these Championships as well as with the results achieved by the Canadian delegation. Not only have we crowned new world champions but new Canadian records have also been set. This is very promising for the future," said Minister Owen. "The Government of Canada is proud to have invested in this important international event, which enabled Canadian athletes to demonstrate their skills in front of an enthusiastic hometown audience." "I wish to sincerely thank the Organizing Committee. Each of its members brought expertise, talent, and perseverance to make these Championships such a great success. I must also commend the extraordinary work accomplished by some 2,500 volunteers. Finally, these Championships have confirmed Canada and Montreal's reputation of excellence as hosts of wide-ranging sports events," Minister Owen concluded. The Government of Canada is committed to making the Canadian sporting system a model for the world. In the recent February 2005 budget, the federal government increased funding dedicated to sport to $140 million -- an unprecedented high. This effort confirms the Government's desire to support Canadians' participation in sports as well as development of sporting excellence. For more information on the various programs offered by the Government of Canada in sports, please visit the Department of Canadian Heritage's Web site at: www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada Information : Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) (613) 941-4241 Myriam Brochu Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage (819) 997-9314 |
