I am happy to congratulate our Canadian winter athletes on an exceptional world cup season.
For the first time ever, our winter athletes placed second in medal standing in world cup championships. Canadian athletes with disabilities placed first in world cup competitions, bringing honour to our country with 47 gold medals.
These results are very impressive on their own, and they also promise unprecedented results at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler.
The Government of Canada is proud to be the single largest contributor to sport in this country, supporting participation and excellence-from the playground to the podium. When Budget 2008 is fully implemented, our investment in the Canadian sport system will reach an all-time high of over 164 million dollars a year.
We support the Olympic and Paralympic movement, providing funding through the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees, Canadian Sport Centres, and National Sport Organizations with initiatives geared toward excellence in sport.
And, because we believe that Canada can be the top medal winner at the next Olympic Winter Games and that our athletes can place among the top three gold medal winning countries at the Paralympic Winter Games, we have committed 55 million dollars over five years to the Own the Podium initiative to help ensure unrivalled excellence in winter sport by our athletes in 2010.
As Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport) and on behalf of all Canadians, I heartily congratulate all our world-cup champions in winter sports. Your dedication inspires all Canadians, and we assure you of our support as you continue to pursue excellence-and Olympic and Paralympic victory.
Blair MacLean
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Secretary of State
(Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613 944-1291
