HALIFAX, August 3, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Central Nova), today announced that the Government of Canada will provide funding of $50,000 to Athletics Canada in support of the Aileen Meagher International Track Classic.
"Our Government is proud to support important sport events like the Aileen Meagher International Track Classic," said Minister MacKay. "This funding will allow our top Canadian track athletes to compete against the best in the world and bring the excitement of world-class competition to the Halifax region. The athletic performances during the Aileen Meagher International Track Classic are sure to inspire Canadians of all ages to embrace physical activity."
"Athletics Canada applauds the Government's funding of one of the core events within our international domestic hosting strategy, the Aileen Meagher International Track Classic," said Joanne Mortimore, Athletics Canada Chief Executive Officer. "The Aileen Meagher Classic is the result of meet director Kevin Heisler's vision and passion in providing our Canadian athletes with the unique opportunity of competing at the world level on home soil."
The Aileen Meagher International Track Classic will take place on August 3, 2010, at Saint Mary's University Huskies Stadium in Halifax. This event is held every year and attracts 175 athletes from 10 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. Funding of $50,000 is being provided to Athletics Canada in support of the Aileen Meagher 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
