Secretary of State Paul Devillers Announces Increased Funding to Support Athletes
CHARLO (NEW BRUNSWICK), February 28, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Paul DeVillers today announced that the Government of Canada will extend its commitment of $10 million over two years, made in the February 18 budget, to support high performance athletes.This brings the total increase in support of Canadian high performance athletes to $25 million over 5 years.
"The Government of Canada is committed to developing a leading-edge, athlete-centred sport system," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "This investment enables Canadian athletes to build on their remarkable successes to date, and provides certainty and security through a significant long-term funding base. I am pleased. It is a commitment to sport at the high performance level."
This investment is a key part of supporting the excellence pillar of the Canadian Sport Policy. Through this policy, the Government of Canada is helping build a sport system that ensures the seamless progress of athletes from playground to podium so that they can realize the full extent of their abilities. The Canadian Sport Policy was endorsed unanimously in 2001 by the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for sport, recreation and fitness. It aims to enhance sport in Canada in four primary areas: participation, excellence, capacity and interaction.
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 953-7329
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