Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Canadian Junior Open - World Junior Circuit Table Tennis Event
OTTAWA, August 22, 2003 -- Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers today announced funding of $15,000 to help organize the Canadian Junior Open - World Junior Circuit Table Tennis event, which will take place in Edmonton, Alberta from August 24 to 30, 2003."The Canadian Junior Open is a great opportunity for a large number of young Canadian table tennis athletes to experience top international competition before a home crowd," said Secretary of State DeVillers. "The event will inspire our young people and will offer Canadians the chance to cheer on our athletes."
The Canadian Junior Open Ñ World Junior Circuit features almost 200 participants from around the world. This event represents a final opportunity for Junior athletes to obtain points in view of qualifying for the World Junior Circuit Final. It is also an opportunity to prepare for the World Junior Championships to be held in Chile in December 2003.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the development of our Canadian athletes and to help them achieve further successes in their sport. We are proud of the successes of our Canadian Junior table tennis athletes, and I wish them good luck," added Secretary of State DeVillers.
Funding is provided through Sport Canada's International Single Sport Hosting Program. In 2002-03, the Government of Canada contributed $495,000, including $20,000 for athletes with a disability, to the Canadian Table Tennis Association, in addition to providing direct support for 11 table tennis athletes, in the form of monthly allowances 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
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