New National Multi-Sport Centre will help Develop High Performance Athletes and Coaches
RICHMOND, October 17, 1998 -- The Government of Canada, the British Columbia government, the Canadian Olympic Association (COA), and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) today announced that a new National Multi-Sport Centre for high performance athletes and coaches will soon be operating in the Greater Vancouver area.The four funding partners announced the establishment of the new National Sport Centre -- Greater Vancouver at a press conference in Richmond, B.C. where the annual Athletes CAN sport forum is taking place. The new Centre will enable high performance athletes in the lower mainland area to receive enhanced training through top coaching and sport science services.
John Cannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, who made the announcement on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, explained the Centre is part of a national network of Multi-Sport Centres being developed across the country.
"These Multi-Sport Centres are examples of the kinds of successful partnerships that ensure our athletes and coaches have access to the top-quality facilities and services they need," said Mr. Cannis. "The new Centre will provide current and future high performance athletes and coaches in the Vancouver area with the same kind of support they currently receive in Victoria, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, and Toronto, where National Multi-Sport Centres already exist." Mr. Cannis also said that a Centre would soon be established in the Atlantic region.
Five-time Olympian Charmaine Crooks, who sits on the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission said the new Centre would provide important services to Canadian athletes training in Vancouver. "The Canadian Olympic Association is committed to the development of sport in Canada and is proud to continue its support of athletes at the high-performance level," said Crooks, on behalf of the COA.
B.C. Sport Minister Ian Waddell said the Vancouver Centre will build on the province's strong sport system.
"British Columbia is home to approximately 200 nationally-carded athletes -- more per capita than any other province so it's important that we provide them with the best training and support, right here at home," said Waddell. "British Columbia can also look forward to a higher profile in the world sport arena - a high profile at Olympics and other international sport events keeps B.C. on the map and promotes tourism and investment in B.C. - which is more good news for our economy."
The Centre's services will include coaching support as well as improved access to training facilities, sport science, and sport medicine support. The Centre will also provide athlete services such as career counselling and assistance with employment searches. A unique feature of the
Centre will be its partnership with the National Coaching Institute -- Victoria which will lead to
an expansion of coaching development services already offered in the area. Greater Vancouver was chosen as a location for this Centre because of the large number of athletes residing in the lower mainland.
Bill Thomson, Director of the National Coaching Institute -- Victoria, spoke on behalf of the Coaching Association of Canada. "Top international athletes and leading-edge facilities, services and personnel provide the perfect mix when delivering training and development opportunities to high performance coaches. A Centre in Greater Vancouver will help build a strong relationship with athletes, coaches and other partners in B.C. and will contribute to the national network dedicated to developing world-class coaches."
Marion Lay has been named Chair of the Centre's Board. As co-chair of the B.C. Games Society and Chair of the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, the former Olympic medalist in swimming will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Centre.
The Multi-Sport Centre has an annual operating budget of $730,000 most of which will be paid by the partners through a multi-year funding commitment. This agreement will see the Canadian government contributing $250,000 in 1998-99 and $350,000 each year after that; the Canadian Olympic Association contributing $200,000 in 1998 through to 2000; the British Columbia government contributing $100,000 annually; and the Coaching Association of Canada contributing $15,000 in 1998-99 and $30,000 each year after that.
The Centre is expected to be fully operational early in 1999.
Information:
Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Dina Bell-Laroche
Media Relations
Canadian Olympic Association
(613) 748-5647
Sharon White
Communications Branch
B.C. Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture
(250) 356-2842
John Bales
President Coaching Association of Canada
(613) 748-5624
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