ST-GEORGES, June 9, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Member of Parliament (Beauce), today wished a warm welcome to the participants in the 2009 Tour de Beauce, a six-stage, 816-kilometre cycling race taking place from June 9 to 14 in the Beauce region of Quebec.
"We are pleased to support the 2009 Tour de Beauce," said Minister of State Lunn. "This tour is one of North America's premier cycling stage races and will allow our top Canadian road cyclists to challenge some of the best racers in the world. Hosting international sport events like this brings significant sport, economic, and social benefits to Canadians and their communities."
"It is thanks to the hard work of the organizers and many volunteers that this important international sporting event can take place year after year in Beauce," said Mr. Bernier. "Once again, the citizens of this great region have rallied behind an international sporting event to demonstrate their know-how and warmly welcome athletes arriving from all across the globe."
"The Canadian Cycling Association thanks the Government of Canada for their partnership and this generous contribution to the 2009 Tour de Beauce," said Canadian Cycling Association Chief Executive Officer Greg Mathieu. "This contribution will help us host a quality, world-class event while also establishing a legacy for Canada in the international sports community."
The 24th edition of the Tour de Beauce is planning to welcome 18 teams, totalling more than 130 riders. This International Cycling Union-sanctioned stage race will include teams from Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Latvia, Colombia, Iran, Eritrea, and Germany.
The Government of Canada believes that participation in sport is part of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to a healthy society. Sport strengthens individuals, as well as our communities by bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. Funding of $50,000 is being provided through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, which is a key instrument in the government's overall approach to sport development in Canada. The program aims to enhance the development of sport excellence and the international profile of sport organizations by assisting sport organizations to host the Canada Games and international sport events in Canada.
Michelle Yao
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1131
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
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