Young Canadians Learn About Sport at the Olympics
MONTREAL, July 20, 1996 This morning, forty young participants from across Canada left Montreal for a unique leadership development program established by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Leaving from The Wizards of Sport Exhibition site in the Old Port of Montreal, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the 1976 Olympic Games, the group, accompanied by six leaders, will travel together to Atlanta. They will share the experience of attending Olympic competitions and cultural exhibitions, developing personal sport skills and participating in educational activities.We think this program is an important part of the development of Canada's next generation of sport leaders. Learning about sport and how it affects the lives of Canadians is very important knowledge for these participants, said the Honourable Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister responsible for Francophonie, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps. We think this is an integral part of our work in supporting the development of a sport heritage as well as developing a keen sense of pride in our country.
Atlanta, host to both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will be the backdrop as participants in Young Canadians in Atlanta explore the relationship of sport, culture and national identity and the related issues of diversity, participation and equity in sport. Youth from across the country selected by the Canadian Olympic Association, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the Aboriginal Sport Circle and the sport and recreation departments of the provincial and territorial governments. Participants come from as diverse points as Iqaluit, Montreal, Lashburn, High Prairie, Don Mills, Halifax and Moosonee. Participants will stay at the YMCA Camp High Harbour at Rabun Gap located 90 minutes north of Atlanta.
We'll be evaluating the Young Canadians in Atlanta program to see if we should support similar programs in conjunction with multi-sport games. Atlanta is an opportunity to see the idea in action, added Mr. Pettigrew.
Information :
Duncan Dee
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Canadian Heritage
(613) 794-5473
Robert Bousquet
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 994-4239
[ Media Room ]
