Ontario Government Boosts 2008 Ontario Winter Games Funding

    $593,500 To Collingwood-area Host Enhances Provincial Championships

    TORONTO, Dec. 3 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government continues to strengthen
support of amateur sport with a $593,500 hosting grant for the 2008 Ontario
Winter Games, Margarett Best, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion announced
today.
    "The McGuinty government is committed to supporting amateur sport which
influences the quality of life of all Ontarians in a positive way," said
Minister Best. "The 2008 Games will be a top-notch competition, showcasing
athletes who inspire all Ontarians to participate in sport and be physically
active."
    The Town of Collingwood and surrounding communities will stage the Games
March 6-9, 2008. More than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials will
participate in the Games, supported by more than 800 volunteers. The host
funding is provided through the Ontario Games Program in partnership with the
Sport Alliance of Ontario.

    The increased funding is another example of the McGuinty government's
support of amateur sport, which totals $23.7 million this year. Other examples
include:

    -   The $10 million Quest for Gold Program, which includes the $7 million
        Ontario Athlete Assistance Program, with the first cycle of payments
        to athlete recipients to be announced in the coming weeks;

    -   $7.9 million provided to Provincial and Multi-Sport Organizations on
        an annual basis for sport programs geared to Ontarians of all ages
        and abilities, including high-performance athletes.

    The Ministry of Health Promotion was established in June 2005 to improve
and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in this
province. Key priorities include Ontario's smoke-free strategy, healthy
eating, active living, sport and recreation, injury prevention and mental
health promotion.

    Disponible en français

                              www.mhp.gov.on.ca

For further information: Mark Frimpong, Minister's Office, (416)
326-5702; Julie Rosenberg, Communications Branch, (416) 326-4833