Denis Coderre Congratulates Canadian Athletes on Pan American Games Performance
OTTAWA, August 9, 1999 -- Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Denis Coderre today applauded the performance of the Canadian Team at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg. The Games, which were held from July 23 to August 8, 1999 saw the Canadian Team finish in second place with a total of 196 medals: 64 gold, 52 silver, and 80 bronze.Mr. Coderre visited sporting venues and had the opportunity to meet and congratulate Canadian athletes.
"There is nothing like international sport competitions to bring Canadians together especially when we are the proud host of the Games," said Mr. Coderre. "I was thrilled to see our Canadian athletes at the Pan Am Games perform so well at home. The members of the Canadian Team inspire dedication, pursuit of excellence and courage in all Canadians."
The XIII Pan American Games were the largest sporting event ever held in Canada and one of the largest ever in North America Ñ surpassed only by the Atlanta and Los Angeles Olympics. The Games involved more than 6,500 athletes and coaches from 42 countries participating in 41 sports (all of the Olympic sports plus 6 additional sports). The Canadian Team was the largest ever with more than 880 athletes, coaches, and officials.
Many of the athletes who competed at the Pan Am Games will go on to compete in the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, next year. The Games saw Canadians qualify for a number of Olympic events including swimming, cycling, men's field hockey and triathlon.
Mr. Coderre also congratulated the organizers and the volunteers from the Winnipeg region for their hard work during the Games. "I would particularly like to thank the President of the Pan Am Games Society Don MacKenzie for his dedication and I am also proud of the more than 20,000 individuals who worked hard to make the Pan Am Games a success," said Mr. Coderre. "These dedicated people put in a lot of effort to support these important Games and showcase Canada to an international audience."
The total budget for the Pan American Games was $140.6 million. Of that amount, the government of Canada provided $49 million in direct funding as well as $7 million to support the costs of federal services and promotion related to the Games.
Information:
Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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