BURNABY, British Columbia, July 5, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide funding to Athletics Canada in support of the Harry Jerome International Track Classic.
"Our Government is proud to support the Harry Jerome International Track Classic," said Minister Moore. "This event will attract some of the best athletes from around the world. Our Government is a strong supporter of Canadian sport, which in turn strengthens the unique contribution that sport makes to Canadian identity, culture, and society."
"Athletics Canada applauds the Government's funding of the Harry Jerome International Track Classic, which is one of the core events within our international domestic hosting strategy," said Joanne Mortimore, Athletics Canada Chief Executive Officer. "The Harry Jerome Classic is the result of a combination of Doug Clement's vision and the legacy of Harry Jerome and his wife Valerie; it provides our Canadian athletes with the unique opportunity of competing at the world level on home soil."
The Harry Jerome International Track Classic will take place on Monday, July 5, 2010, at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia. This event is held every year and attracts approximately 230 athletes from six 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 Harry Jerome International Track Classic 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
