More than 2,700 of Canada’s top performing athletes will compete in the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Nova Scotia thanks in part to an investment by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced funding of $2,000,000 toward the coordination and hosting of the Games in Halifax.
“These games are sure to bring both social and economic benefits to Nova Scotia far beyond 2011,” said Minister MacKay. “ The impacts as a result of hosting the Games include $81 million in economic activity for Nova Scotia, thanks in part to our government’s commitment to promote sport, physical activity and economic development among Canadians of all ages and abilities. »
ACOA’s investment will assist with promotion, marketing, and volunteer recruitment and training for the event. The project will also allow for the acquisition of sporting equipment including artistic gymnastic apparatus, a boxing ring and canvas, competition hockey goals, and judo fighting surfaces.
The 2011 Canada Winter Games represent the largest sporting event in Halifax's history and are expected to result in significant economic benefits across the province.
Minister MacKay was joined at the event by the Honourable Pat Dunn, Nova Scotia Minister of Health Promotion and Protection; Mary Wile, HRM Councillor, Clayton Park West; and Jean-Paul Deveau, chair, 2011 board of directors.
“The 2011 Games will unify the nation in celebration of youth and sport,” said Mr. Deveau. “This contribution will, in many ways, positively impact the lasting legacy of the Games. We’re very thankful for the spirit of cooperation from our partners in federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as our business sponsors and individual volunteers.”
This will be the eighth time the Canada Games are being held in the region. Previous Winter and Summer Games have been held in St. John’s, Halifax/Dartmouth, Saint John, Cape Breton, Charlottetown, Corner Brook and Bathurst- Campbellton.
The 2011 Canada Winter Games will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia from February 11 to 27, 2011.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $2,000,000 for the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax. The investment—provided through ACOA— will assist with promotion, marketing, volunteer recruitment and training, and sporting equipment.
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Chris Brooks
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-4790
chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Melissa MacKinnon
Halifax 2011 Canada Games
902-490-5695
mackinme@canadagames2011.ca
Rachel Boomer
Health Protection and Promotion
902-424-5323
rachel.boomer@gov.ns.ca
Shaune MacKinlay
Public Affairs Manager
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-6531
