MONCTON, April 9, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) and Member of Parliament (Fundy Royal), today announced funding for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Junior Championships, which will be held in Moncton from July 19 to 25, 2010.
This is the first time that the Championships, which are held every two years under the auspices of the IAAF, will be held in a Canadian Atlantic province.
The competitions will feature 22 women's and 22 men's events. More than 170 countries are expected to participate, and the event will attract more than 2000 athletes aged 16 to 19, their coaches, and championship officials.
"Our Government is proud to support the IAAF World Junior Championships," said Minister of State Lunn. "These championships will play an important role in the development of young Canadian athletes. They prepare them for podium success on the international stage and provide them with valuable international-level training and competition experience right here at home."
"In 100 days from today, Moncton will welcome junior athletes from more than 170 nations to share the spirit of competition and demonstrate sporting excellence," said Minister of State Moore. "Our Government's investment will not only help develop future world-class Canadian athletes, but will also bring significant sport, economic, cultural, and social benefits to Moncton, its region, and New Brunswick."
"This significant contribution from the federal government helps to ensure these championships will showcase the very best Moncton, New Brunswick, and Canada have to offer," said Larry Nelson, Moncton 2010 Local Organizing Committee President. "This world-class event would not be possible without this support from our partners. We are proud to ensure a lasting legacy for generations to come."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $4.7 million through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.
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.
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
Jane Harwood
Coordinator of Communications
Moncton 2010 - IAAF World Junior Championships
Tel.: 506-861-4524
Cell.: 506-874-2415
jane.harwood@moncton2010.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
