VANCOUVER - June 8, 2008 - The Government of Canada today announced a financial contribution to the 2008 International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, a major international competition that welcomed a strong contingent of athletes from all over the world to Vancouver, British Columbia.
Ed Fast, Member of Parliament ( Abbotsford) made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport) at the closing ceremonies.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to provide a contribution to make this event an outstanding success," said Secretary of State Guergis. "Our athletes competed against the world's finest triathletes during this competition, giving us a taste of the excitement to come this summer at the Beijing Olympic Games."
The Government of Canada's contribution of almost $250,000 is provided from existing funding through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.
"Triathlon Canada thanks the Government of Canada for its partnership and this generous contribution to the 2008 ITU Triathlon World Championships," said Triathlon Canada President Stephen Holmes. "This helped us host a quality, world-class event, while also establishing a legacy for Canada in the international sports community."
More than 3000 athletes from 60 countries are taking part in the four-day championship, with over 50 000 spectators. The event began on June 5 with a parade of nations and the opening ceremonies at English Bay. The championship is concluding today with the elite races followed by the closing ceremonies.
The 2008 ITU Triathlon World Championships 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 commitments in Budget 2008 are fully implemented, the Government of Canada's investment in the Canadian sport system will reach an all-time high of more than $164 million annually.
Information:
Office of the Honourable Helena Guergis,
Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613-992-4224
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
