RICHMOND, August 2, 2005 -- The Honourable Raymond Chan, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), today announced $20,000 in funding for the Canadian Junior Open table tennis championships. The funds will help the Canadian Table Tennis Association host the event, which takes place from August 2 to 5, 2005 in Richmond, British Columbia."The Government of Canada is proud to support the development of Canadian athletes," said Minister of State Chan. "This event brings to Canada some of the world's top junior table tennis athletes and contributes to our goal of becoming a leading sporting nation.""The junior table tennis circuit is preparing the next generation of Canada's high performance athletes. Our best junior table tennis athletes will gain valuable international competition experience right here at home while Canadians cheer them on," said Minister Owen. "Hosting this important event will help to strengthen table tennis programming throughout Canada, and provide coaches, officials, and volunteers with a valuable opportunity to gain experience and skills."The championships in Richmond are one of 11 tournaments that make up the 2005 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Junior Circuit program. The Canadian Junior Open offers participants an opportunity to obtain points in or to qualify for the World Junior Circuit Final set to take place in the Dominican Republic in October, 2005. The top 11 girls and boys in the overall standings will be invited to the ITTF World Junior Circuit Final. The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $140 million is being provided in 2005-06 to support initiatives for 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, visit the Department of Canadian Heritage's Web site at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/sportcanada Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the International Single Sport Hosting Component of Sport Canada's Hosting Program. Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget. Information:Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) (613) 954-1110 Hilary HumphreyOffice of the Minister of State(Multiculturalism)(819) 997-9900 Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
