Canada's New Government Proudly Supports 2008 North American Indigenous Games
DUNCAN, British Columbia, November 3, 2006
- The Honourable Michael D. Chong, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, today announced Canada's support for the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games. Minister Chong made the announcement during a celebration at the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre in Duncan, hosted by the 2008 Games Society."The North American Indigenous Games will help develop Aboriginal athletes within the Canadian sport system and play a positive role in encouraging the participation of Aboriginal peoples in sport all across the country," said Minister Chong.
Under the funding framework for the 2008 North American Indigenous Games, the Government of Canada will contribute as much as 35 percent of the total cost for the Games, up to a maximum of $3.5 million.
Hosting this international sport event will bring direct and significant sport, economic, cultural, and social benefits to the Cowichan Valley, the province of British Columbia, and Canada as a whole.
"Canada has been a longtime supporter of the North American Indigenous Games movement," said Calvin Swustus, chair of the Cowichan 2008 North American Indigenous Games Society's board of directors. "The funding framework and federal commitment of $3.5 million reflects a strong spirit of cooperation between the Games Society and the Government of Canada and provides the foundation for success in 2008."
The 2008 North American Indigenous Games will be held from August 2 to 10, 2008. They will involve 5000 junior athletes (aged 13-19) competing in 16 sports, 2000 cultural performers, and more than 3000 volunteers. The Games will include opening and closing ceremonies with over 20 000 participants and spectators expected to attend.
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $140 million is provided annually for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to promote sport participation among Canadians.
Information:
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport
613 943-1833
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
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