Government of Canada Provides Funding for the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games
MANCHESTER, July 23, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Paul DeVillers today offered their best wishes and words of encouragement to the Canadian delegation participating in the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games."I want to wish the best of luck to all of the athletes and coaches participating in the Games. This is a very exciting time when their years of training pay off. Canadians will be watching and cheering for our athletes every step of the way," said Secretary of State DeVillers.
"Our Canadian athletes have a proud history at the Commonwealth Games, and competitions like this give us all an opportunity to recognize their hard work and dedication," said Minister Copps. "I know that their performances will inspire future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams."
As part of its commitment to support athletes and create a strong sport system, the Government of Canada has contributed $1.5 million towards the cost of sending the Canadian team to the Commonwealth Games taking place in Manchester, England, from July 25 to August 4, 2002. Major international events such as the Commonwealth Games help advance excellence in the Canadian sport system, allowing Canadian athletes to compete at the highest levels.
The Government of Canada, through Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada), plays a leading role in developing amateur sport policies and programs. As part of the new Canadian Sport Policy, the Government of Canada will improve sport in Canada over the next ten years in four key areas: participation, excellence, capacity and interaction.
While attending the Commonwealth Games, the Secretary of State will participate in a number of meetings with Governments of the Commonwealth countries. The main issues that Canada will be advancing are anti-doping in sport, increased participation of women in sport and development through sport.
The Government of Canada is also proud to provide ongoing support to the Commonwealth Sport Development Program and the Sport Leadership Corps which contribute to the advancement of Commonwealth principles and social cohesion. Each of these programs work through partnerships among governments and between governments and non-government organizations in the promotion of development through sport.
To find out more about the various programs of the Government of Canada in the area of sport, visit www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 953-7329
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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