ST. CATHARINES, April 6, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament (St. Catharines), today announced funding for Rowing Canada Aviron for the 128th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.
"Our Government is proud to invest in Rowing Canada Aviron in support of this historical annual regatta," said Minister of State Lunn. "Canadians are happy to welcome international athletes to this rowing competition and to showcase their skills right here at home."
"This is great news for St. Catharines, as the region gets ready to welcome men and women from more than 150 rowing clubs, including our national team athletes, for five days of competition this August," said Mr. Dykstra. "The 128th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta will certainly bring significant sport, economic, and social benefits to our community."
"We are very pleased that the Government of Canada recognizes the value of Henley and has made this significant contribution, which will not only support the 2010 event, but will also have a lasting effect on the quality of the Regatta in years to come," said Dr. Michael Murphy, Rowing Canada Aviron President. "I'm looking forward to seeing top rowers in all categories--from high school to national team calibre--competing this year and benefiting from the government's support."
Rowing Canada Aviron sponsors and sanctions the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in cooperation with the Canadian Henley Rowing Corporation, a St. Catharines organization that controls and maintains the Regatta course and Henley Island.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $165,000 through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government believes that hosting international sport events, like the 128th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, provides direct significant sport, economic, and social benefits to Canadians and their communities.
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
Jackie Skender
Rowing Canada Aviron
519-200-1835
comm@rowingcanada.org
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
