The 2005 Canada Games will highlight our cultural diversity
REGINA, October 25, 2004 -- Minister of State (Multiculturalism) Raymond Chan today announced $395,000 in funding for the 2005 Canada Summer Games to be held in Regina. These funds will enable the Games' Host Society to highlight Canada's cultural diversity throughout the planning and organization of this sporting event."Canada's strength depends, more than ever, on its ability to draw on the skills, talents, and experiences of all its citizens", said Minister of State Chan. "The Government of Canada is committed to working with organizations, such as the 2005 Canada Summer Games Host Society, to ensure that barriers to full participation in our society are eliminated."
"This support provides an opportunity for the 2005 Canada Summer Games to truly reflect the diversity that is so much a part of Canada's identity," said Mo Bundon, Executive Vice-President for the Games. "It is the first stage of a broader initiative to ensure that diversity is a key element of hosting future events."
The Regina 2005 Canada Summer Games Host Society will recruit and train volunteers and administrators from diverse communities. The Committee will also showcase diversity at ceremonies, in marketing activities, and through an Aboriginal cross-cultural interpretive centre. Eventually, the Committee will share its best practices with organizers of future major Games at a conference to take place after the 2005 Games.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Multiculturalism Program. This program promotes full and equitable participation in Canadian society by people of all origins, as well as interaction between individuals and communities of different origins. It also encourages public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of Canada's multicultural character.
The funding announced today was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
Information:
Roy Bornmann
Office of the Minister of State (Multiculturalism)
(819) 997-9900
Brigitte Gibson
Communications
Canadian Heritage
(204) 983-3703
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