REGINA, September 23, 2005 -- Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (Wascana) Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) Stephen Owen, today announced an investment of $23,125 in the 2005 World Cup Standing Volleyball tournament. The funds will enable Volleyball Canada to host the event, which takes place from September 23 to October 2, in Regina, Saskatchewan. "The Government of Canada is proud to support Canada's athletes and is committed to hosting international sport events. Our athletes will gain valuable experience while competing in front of a home crowd," said Minister Goodale.The 2005 World Cup Standing Volleyball Tournament is the first disabled volleyball event to take place in North America since the 1999 Pan-Am Open competition in Laval, Quebec. Participating teams include Germany, Slovakia, Poland, Canada, Cambodia, and Rwanda. This will be a landmark event, insofar as all four World Organization Volleyball for Disabled zones will be represented by teams at a single tournament for the first time ever. "This event contributes to Canada's vision of becoming a leading sport nation," said Minister of State Owen. "I am sure that large numbers of enthusiastic spectators will gather to cheer on Canada's volleyball athletes." The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $140 million is being provided in 2005Ñ2006 to support initiatives for high-performance athletes and to increase Canadians' participation in sport.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.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 Jean-Guy BeaupréChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
