MONTRÉAL, July 8, 2008 - The Government of Canada congratulates Paralympic Athletes as they prepare to compete against the best athletes in the world in Beijing, China.
The Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport), today congratulated Paralympians who have been selected to represent Canada at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. Secretary of State Guergis delivered remarks at the Canadian Paralympic Committee's official team announcement in Montréal, while a similar event took place in Vancouver.
"Our Paralympic athletes are an inspiration to all Canadians," said Secretary of State Guergis. "I'm honoured to be here today on behalf of the Government of Canada to wish our Paralympic team good luck as they prepare to compete against the world's top athletes in Beijing, China."
From September 6 to 17, more than 4000 athletes from 150 countries will compete in the XIII Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Canadian team's participation in the Games. The CPC plans to send approximately 155 athletes along with 120 coaches, support staff, and other officials.
The Government of Canada continues to play a leading role with respect to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in sport. Sport Canada released a new Policy in Sport for Persons With a Disability and has allocated $16 million for sport programming for Canadians with disabilities in 2007-2008.
In 2007-2008, Sport Canada contributed $1,159,400 to the Canadian Paralympic Committee, which includes funding the 2008 Paralympic Games preparation, as well as $200,000 for the Feel the Rush sport participation development program.
The Government of Canada recognizes that sport is a defining part of Canada's identity, and is pleased to support Canada's summer sport athletes. In Budget 2008 funding of $24 million over the next two years and $24 million per year ongoing was announced to support the Road to Excellence program. This funding will enhance the Government's excellence programming for summer athletes, increasing the number of coaches, training camps and opportunities for our athletes to compete internationally.
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. In 2008-2009, the Government of Canada's investment in the Canadian sport system will reach an all-time high of $166 million annually.
A list of the members of Canada's Paralympic team, plus other information on the Games, is available on the CPC website at www.paralympic.ca
Information:
Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613 995-1293
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866 569-6155
