CORNWALL, Ontario, August 12, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), Guy Lauzon, Member of Parliament (Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry), today announced funding for the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA).
"Our Government is proud to provide funding to the CCAA for its Female Apprentice Coach Program, which will help develop female coaches in Canada and provide our athletes with the leadership and support they need to succeed," said Minister of State Lunn. "Coaches are key to athlete development and help our athletes to achieve their very best from the playground to the podium."
"Today's investment is another example of our Government's commitment to athlete development," said Mr. Lauzon. "The CCAA's program to increase the number of female coaches in Canada will be an enormous asset for the Canadian sport system, as it aims to promote women in sport and in leadership positions. I would like thank the CCAA for their hard work and recognize all our coaches for their dedication and commitment to our athletes."
The CCAA is the sole coordinating body for college sport in Canada, providing leadership, programs, and services that foster student-athlete development through intercollegiate sport.
"On behalf of the CCAA, I would like to thank the Government of Canada for this important contribution to our Female Apprentice Coach Program," said Sandra Murray-MacDonell, CCAA Executive Director. "This program is designed to identify and nurture female graduating student-athletes who demonstrate the desired skills for coaching by providing them with the opportunity to share the coaching experience in a CCAA national championship sport."
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 $80,000 is being provided through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, a key instrument in the government's overall approach to sport development in Canada. With this assistance, funding to the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association will reach $412,900 in 2009-2010.
Information:
Michelle Yao
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1131
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
