The Government of Canada Supports the 2002 North American Indigenous Games
OTTAWA, July 26, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps and Secretary of State (Amateur Sport) Paul DeVillers today offered their best wishes and words of encouragement to the Canadian teams participating in the 2002 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG)."The North American Indigenous Games are unique in that they not only provide an opportunity for athletic competition, but they also teach us all about Aboriginal culture," said Minister Copps. "At the same time, the Games inspire a feeling of shared pride in the Aboriginal community and provide role models for other aspiring athletes and artists."
As part of its commitment to support Aboriginal athletes and Aboriginal culture and to create a strong sport system that encourages participation, the Government of Canada has contributed $2.48 million towards the North American Indigenous Games over the past three years. The 2002 NAIG are being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from July 25 to August 4.
"I want to wish the best of luck to all of the artists, athletes and coaches participating in the Games. These Games encourage community sport development and excellence, and serve as important stepping stones to other sporting opportunities for aspiring Aboriginal athletes," said Secretary of State DeVillers.
The North American Indigenous Games provide athletes with a chance to compete against the best Aboriginal athletes in North America while, at the same time, promoting Aboriginal unity and cultural understanding. One of the goals of the NAIG is to strengthen the connection between Aboriginal athletes, coaches, officials, and the mainstream sport system in Canada.
The importance of NAIG's cultural component is considered to be equal to that of the sport component and involves between 2000 and 3000 North American Aboriginal artists.
The Government of Canada, through Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada), plays a leading role in developing amateur sport policies and programs. As part of the new Canadian Sport Policy, the Government of Canada will improve sport in Canada over the next ten years in four key areas: participation, excellence, capacity and interaction.
To find out more about the various programs of the Government of Canada in the area of sport, visit www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada
Information:
Mario Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Secretary of State (Amateur Sport)
(819) 953-7329
Kerry Edmonds
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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