Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Canadian Open for Swimmers with a Disability
OTTAWA, July 15, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers today announced funding of $25,000 to help organize the Canadian Open for Swimmers with a Disability in Edmonton, Alberta, from July 17 to 20, 2003."The Canadian Open for Swimmers with a Disability is an opportunity to bring high-level international competition to Canada," said Secretary of State Paul DeVillers. "Hosting the Canadian Open will give our athletes the opportunity to compete at home, will help develop our sport organizations, and will expose many Canadian fans to exciting, high-level competition."
The funds are provided by Sport Canada's International Single Sport Hosting Program.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the development of swimming competitions for athletes with a disability. I congratulate the organizing committee for this initiative and I wish all of our athletes the best of luck," added Anne McLellan,
Minister of Health and member of Parliament for Edmonton West.
In 2002-03, the Government of Canada contributed more than $350,000 to Swimming Canada in support of programs for athletes with a disability, in addition to providing direct support for 17 swimmers with a disability on the national team, in the form of monthly contributions through Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport)
(819) 953-7329
[ Media Room ]
