OTTAWA, June 28, 2006 - The Honourable Michael Chong, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, today announced the release of the Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability. Under this policy, the Government of Canada will provide $12.5 million in funding to increase the number persons with disabilities participating in sport. Of this total, $11 million will be provided annually for initiatives that improve access to sport and $1.5 million annually will go toward increasing participation in sport for persons with disabilities.
"Canada's new Government is committed to encouraging all Canadians, including persons with disabilities, to become more involved in sport," said Minister Chong. "Sport and physical activity help maintain Canadians' health, strengthen our communities, and contribute to our overall quality of life. It is important that all Canadians have access to sport in order to experience these positive benefits."
The Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability was developed in consultation with representatives from Special Olympics Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, provincial and territorial governments, and national sport and multisport service organizations.
"This policy will provide a firmer foundation for the development of sport opportunities for Canadians with disabilities, which holds enormous benefit in terms of their health and social integration," said Henry Wohler, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
"On behalf of the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, we are very pleased Sport Canada has created an exciting updated policy for athletes with disabilities," said Luc Michaud, President of the Canadian Deaf Sports Association. "With this policy, deaf athletes across Canada will have the opportunity to compete and excel on the international playing field; Canada will be showcasing our best athletes in all capacities. We are pleased the federal government recognizes the need to foster the participation of sport in under-represented groups."
The Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability builds on the vision of the Canadian Sport Policy for a more inclusive sport system. It aims to increase the number of persons with disabilities involved in sport activities at all levels and in all forms. It provides a framework for partners and stakeholders to initiate changes that lead to reducing and eventually eliminating sport-specific barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating. The Government of Canada will continue to work with its partners to effectively implement the Policy.
The Canadian Sport Policy identifies increased participation as one of the key areas for improvement in the country's sport system. The goal of both the Canadian Sport Policy and the Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability is to build a more integrated environment to improve the sport experience and increase opportunities for Canadians to participate.
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. A total of $140 million is provided annually for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to increase Canadians' participation in sport.
Information:
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the
Queen's Privy Council,
Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs, and Minister for Sport
613 943-1833
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
