Harper Government Supports the FIS Snowboard World Cup at Blue Mountain

COLLINGWOOD, Ontario, February 1, 2013 - Dr. Kellie Leitch, O. Ont., Member of Parliament (Simcoe–Grey), on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada’s contribution to the FIS Snowboard World Cup at Blue Mountain.

“Our Government is pleased to support sport development in Canada with this contribution to the FIS Snowboard World Cup at Blue Mountain,” said Minister of State Gosal. “Once again, our athletes have the opportunity to face top international snowboarders right here in Canada as they compete on the road to the Sochi 2014 Winter Games.”

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I welcome athletes from Canada and around the world to the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment,” said Dr. Leitch. “Events like this bring a welcome economic boost to our local businesses and showcase the hospitality of the community.”

The Canadian Snowboard Federation (Canada Snowboard) is the governing body in Canada for the sport of snowboarding. Canada Snowboard is a member discipline of the Canadian Snowsports Association, and is recognized by the Government of Canada, the Fédération Internationale de Ski, the World Snowboard Federation, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. A contribution of $50,000 was provided to the Canadian Snowboard Federation through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program. The Government of Canada also committed approximately $3 million in 2012–2013 to Canada Snowboard through the Sport Support Program. Sport Canada’s Athlete Assistance Program also provided $545,000 to support 44 Canadian men and women snowboarders with living and training expenses in 2011-2012.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
robert.lynch@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca