MONTRÉAL, June 18, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), today announced funding to the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association in support of the Coupe Canada Cup 2010 in wheelchair rugby.
"Our Government is proud to support the Coupe Canada Cup 2010," said Minister of State Lebel. "Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced and exciting contact sport that has evolved into one of the most exhilarating sports for athletes with physical disabilities. This event will give Canadian athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the best wheelchair rugby players in the world. The Government of Canada continues to support organizations that create more sporting opportunities for Canadians with disabilities."
"The Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association is extremely pleased to be hosting the Coupe Canada Cup 2010 in Montréal. This will be the most competitive wheelchair rugby event in the world, leading up to the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, also being hosted in Canada, in September of this year," said Catherine Cadieux, Executive Director of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association. "The local organizing committee in Montréal is preparing to deliver an event that showcases the best that Canada has to offer, thanks to the support being provided to this event by the Government of Canada. Having the home court advantage means a lot in sport, as was proven at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby Team plans to use that advantage to once again 'Own the Podium' in Montréal."
The Coupe Canada Cup 2010 will take place from June 18 to 20, 2010, on the south shore of Montréal, in Longueuil, Quebec. This event is held every other year and attracts 96 athletes from 8 countries.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. A contribution of $50,000 is being provided to the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association in support of the Coupe Canada Cup 2010 through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
vanessa.schneider@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
