MONTRÉAL, May 4, 2008 - The Government of Canada is investing in the organization of the 25th Défi sportif, a large-scale international competition that will welcome more than 3000 athletes from 18 countries to Montréal.
Daniel Petit, Member of Parliament (Charlesbourg-Haute-Saint-Charles), today announced $75,000 in funding for the Défi sportif. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport), at a reception in honour of Monique Lefebvre, founder of the Défi sportif.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support the Défi sportif, which aims to get more people involved in sport and promote a dynamic image of people with disabilities," said Secretary of State Guergis. "We want to encourage Canadians to become more active, as our support for this international sport event demonstrates."
"We congratulate Monique Lefebvre and the organizers and volunteers who have made this 25th Défi sportif possible," said Mr. Petit. "Once again, their efforts have made this event a success and have ensured the international reputation of our sport scene."
The Défi sportif meets the objectives of the new Federal Policy for Hosting International Sport Events, which was recently announced by the Government of Canada. This new policy offers a pan Canadian approach that will significantly strengthen the Government of Canada's investment and leadership in bidding for and hosting international sport events.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in this country and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. When the commitment in Budget 2008 is fully implemented, the Government of Canada's investment in the Canadian sport system will grow to an all-time high of more than $164 million annually.
Information:
Blair MacLean
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Secretary of State
(Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613 944-1291
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
