VANCOUVER, July 20 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)
applauds the leadership of Minister of State (Sport) Gary Lunn in looking
beyond 2010 to plan for the future of high performance sport in Canada, with
the creation of the "2010 and Beyond" panel.
"Paralympians preparing to compete in 2010 are benefiting from
unprecedented levels of support in Canada. As a result, Team Canada is poised
to deliver the best results ever at a Paralympic Winter Games," said Carla
Qualtrough, President, CPC. "We are very encouraged by Minister Lunn's
commitment to building on this momentum so that Canadian Paralympians can
continue to own the podium at future Paralympic Games."
Canadian Paralympians have been competing in Paralympic Games since 1968,
and have won 1097 medals, including 404 gold, 338 silver and 355 bronze. Their
achievements in summer and winter sports have put Canada in 4th place on the
all-time Paralympic Games medal table.
"At the 1968 Paralympic Games in Israel, there were 29 nations competing.
By the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing that number had increased to 148. If
Canada is to continue to lead the world in Paralympic sports, we need to
increase the numbers of Canadians with a physical disability involved in
sport, and intensify our efforts to identify and development those who have
the talent to compete at the highest level. The steps being taken by Minister
Lunn are critical to achieving this," added Rob Needham, High Performance
Director, CPC.
About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is a non-profit, private
organization with 42 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening
the Paralympic Movement by empowering Canadians with a disability through
sport. The CPC is responsible for managing the team of athletes who represent
Canada at Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and
promoting their success, the CPC inspires all Canadians with a disability to
get involved in sport through programs delivered by our members. For more
information visit, www.paralympic.ca
For further information: For any additional information, please contact:
Anna Parisi, anna@paralympic.ca, (778) 328-0329
