VICTORIA, July 7, 2010 - The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), today announced funding for Athletics Canada in support of the Victoria International Track Classic.
"Our Government is pleased to support the Victoria International Track Classic," said Minister of State Lunn. "This prestigious international track meet will allow many of our top athletes to compete against the best in the world. We are happy to welcome world-class athletes to Victoria and to help provide a showcase for Canada's track and field athletes to display their skills right here at home."
"Athletics Canada would like to thank the Government of Canada for this contribution in support of the Victoria International Track Classic," said Joanne Mortimore, Chief Executive Officer of Athletics Canada. "As this event grows, the support from the Government of Canada allows us to provide a world-class track meet for our athletes and the community."
The 22nd Victoria International Track Classic will be held on July 7, 2010, at Victoria's Centennial Stadium. This event is sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and is recognized as one of the foremost international track meets in the world. It is held every year and attracts 240 athletes from 11 countries, including the United States, Great Britain, Kenya, Mexico, and Canada. Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for track and field, including cross-country running and road running. Athletics Canada supports high-performance athletics excellence at the world level and provides leadership in developmental athletics.
The Government of Canada believes that hosting international sport events like the Victoria International Track Classic provides Canada with direct and significant sport, economic, and social benefits to Canadians and their communities.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence in sport from the playground to the podium. A contribution of $50,000 is being provided to Athletics Canada in support of the Victoria International Track Classic through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.
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)
819-934-1122
vanessa.schneider@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
