OTTAWA, April 20, 2005 -- The Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for Status of Women, and the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) today announced $75,000 in funding for the 2005 edition of the Défi sportif. "Athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs, and schools at the Défi sportif make this an extraordinary sporting event," said Minister Frulla. "On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate every participant who will help make this 22nd edition of the Défi sportif another successful five days of energy, performance, and competition." "Défi sportif is an excellent opportunity that enables our athletes to develop their skills right here at home," said Minister Owen. "This international event will bring increased awareness and encourage participation in sport among persons with disabilities." The 22nd Défi sportif, to be held from April 27 to May 1, will welcome 2700 athletes from Canada and abroad to compete in 17 sports organized at three main sites in Montréal. The competition features athletes from all five disability groups: auditory, intellectual, physical, visual, and mental. More than 670 volunteers and 336 coaches will help make this event a success. Funding for the Défi sportif comes from the International Strategic Focus Events component of Sport Canada's Hosting Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage.The Hosting Program is a key instrument in the Government of Canada's overall approach to enhancing sport development in Canada and implementing the Canadian Sport Policy by helping sport organizations and organizing committees host international sport events in Canada. Events such as Défi sportif are expected to produce significant sport, economic, social, and cultural benefits and ensure legacies. The Hosting Program is viewed not only as a means to support the development of athletes and sport programming, but also as a support for the achievement of other Government of Canada objectives. The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $140 million is being provided in 2005--2006 for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to increase Canadians' participation in sport. The Government of Canada is also a member partner in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and will contribute $497 million toward their success. To learn more about the various programs offered by the Government of Canada in the area of sport, please visit the Canadian Heritage Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada. -30- Information: Jean-Philippe Côté Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for Status of Women (819) 997-7788 Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) (613) 954-1110 Myriam Brochu Chief, Media Relations Canadian Heritage (819) 997-9314
