TORONTO, June 17, 2011 - The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, accompanied by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced increased funding to Special Olympics Canada at a send-off event for Canadian athletes and coaches attending the upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece.
"I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada will be able to further assist Special Olympics Canada in their efforts to provide sport training and competition opportunities for Canadian athletes with an intellectual disability," said Minister Flaherty. "This $800,000 in additional funding will assist Special Olympics Canada in sending their athletes to future competitions."
"Our Government is honoured to have such talented athletes represent Canada in Athens," said Minister of State Gosal. "Your hard work and determination set a positive example for all Canadians, and we are proud of your accomplishments. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish Team Canada great success at the Special Olympics World Summer Games."
"Special Olympics Canada sincerely thanks the Government of Canada for its ongoing commitment to Canadians with an intellectual disability who participate in Special Olympics' year-round programs," said Neil Glasberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Canada. "Thank you for championing the Special Olympics movement and for believing that sport can enrich lives, change attitudes, and strengthen communities."
From June 25 to July 4, 2011, 7,500 Special Olympics Athletes from 185 nations will compete in 22 sports. The Special Olympics, founded in 1968, provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics provide these children and adults with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
For more than 40 years, Special Olympics Canada has provided dedicated service, training and competition opportunities to our 34,000 Special Olympics athletes of all ages and abilities. More than 13,000 certified volunteers and coaches are currently involved with Special Olympics, making their programs and services important contributors to healthier Canadian communities.
The Government of Canada believes that participation in sport is part of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to a healthy society.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. With the additional $800,000 announced in Budget 2011, the Government of Canada will contribute approximately $3 million in the 2011-2012 fiscal year to Special Olympics Canada to support their programs and services.
Jenny Van Alstyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
jenny.van.alstyne@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
