MONTRÉAL, April 27, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister responsible for Montréal, today announced funding for the organization of the 27th Défi sportif, which is taking place in Montréal from April 27 to May 2, 2010.
"Athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs, and schools participating in the Défi sportif make this an extraordinary sporting event. This international event will increase awareness and encourage participation in sport among people with disabilities," said Minister Paradis. "On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate the participants and the organizers of this remarkable event."
"For 27 years, through the Défi sportif, we have tried to encourage people with disabilities to take their place. We encourage them to blossom, and thanks to various partnerships established over the years, I think that we are succeeding. But the work is not done," said Monique Lefebvre, founder of the Défi sportif and Chief Executive Officer of AlterGo. "We must continue to build bridges, and that is why I invite the population to come and cheer on these inspiring athletes."
"While some athletes take part in the Défi sportif to win their event, others are there to push their limits. Everyone wins, and that is the beauty of this not-to-be-missed sporting meet," said Chantal Petitclerc, multiple Paralympic medal winner and event spokesperson, who inspired the "Choose to win" slogan.
The Government of Canada is providing $100,000 for the organization of the 27th Défi sportif. Défi sportif is a large-scale international competition that will welcome more than 3200 athletes. This year, 17 countries will be represented in the international component. The event will bring together athletes from various levels with all types of disabilities. Besides amputee hockey, 13 other sports are on the Défi sportif program. Many elite as well as up-and-coming athletes will compete in sledge hockey, basketball, boccia, fencing, goalball, rhythmic gymnastics, ball hockey, para-athletics, para-cycling, para-swimming, rugby, soccer, and volleyball. Events like the Défi sportif contribute to the development of sport for people with disabilities.
The Government of Canada recognizes that participation in sport is an important part of everyone's life, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and will result in a healthier and more active Canada. 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.
For more information about the various programs offered by the Government of Canada in the area of sport, visit the Sport Canada section of the Canadian Heritage website at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca
For more information (media only), please contact:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1191
vanessa.schneider@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
