MONTREAL, March 4, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - It's official. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has confirmed Montreal as the host of the 2017 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
Following a successful site inspection by FIG officials in February, the FIG Executive Committee has confirmed Gymnastics Canada, in partnership with the Quebec Gymnastics Federation, and Montreal as the host of the 47th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in 2017.
One of the world's largest indoor sports events, the championships are expected to attract more than 1200 athletes, coaches, support staff and officials from over 80 countries.
Montreal, which hosted the only previous Artistic Gymnastics World Championships held in Canada in 1985, will stage the event at the Olympic Stadium in conjunction with other festivities to honour the city's 375th and Canada's 150th anniversaries respectively.
"We're delighted to see the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships returning to Canada," said Richard Crépin, Chairman of the Board of Gymnastics Canada and President of the 2017 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Organizing Committee.
"To host a World Championships on this scale is a major undertaking and we're looking forward to working with all our partners to put gymnastics in the spotlight like it's never been before in Canada. Canadians of all ages will have the chance to witness first-hand one of the world's most enduring and compelling sports."
For Canada's top gymnasts, the chance to compete at the world championships on home turf is a rare event already generating enthusiasm across the country.
"This would be an amazing opportunity for Canadian gymnastics," says 2004 Olympic champion Kyle Shewfelt, the only Canadian in history to win an artistic gymnastics medal of any kind at the Olympics.
"Montréal, Olympic City, has fond and stirring memories of the gymnasts' performances at the 1976 Games," said Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre. "I hope those generations of Montrealers and all Quebeckers who missed our Olympic madness now take this chance to discover the prowess and discipline of such athletes. That is why I am so proud Montréal is hosting the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2017, the year of our beautiful metropolis's 375th anniversary."
"What an exciting day for gymnastics in Canada, and for gymnastics fans who will have the opportunity to visit Montréal as the host city for the 2017 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport).
"This year, during the celebration of the Year of Sport in Canada, we are honouring sport and our athletes, from the local level to the top of the international podium. This announcement once again reaffirms Canada's place as a leading sport nation."
"We are delighted that the hosting rights of the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in 2017 have been awarded to Gymnastics Canada and to Montréal, said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
"It was a long-term undertaking, but it was definitely worth it: the event will galvanize the city and will integrate seamlessly into the festivities for Montréal's 375th anniversary.
"We would like to acknowledge the close collaboration between Gymnastics Canada, Gymnastique Québec, the city of Montréal, Tourisme Montréal and the Olympic Park, which has made this project possible and brought it to life.
"We look forward to welcoming thousands of athletes, trainers, coaches and spectators who will participate in this great sporting event, and we are confident that they'll enjoy Montréal's joie de vivre and know-how."
The World Artistic Gymnastics Championships is FIG's leading event. A powerful source of inspiration and a catalyst for engagement, the championships will harness the creative energy of gymnastics federations and their member organizations, the City of Montreal, Tourism Montreal, the federal and provincial governments and of public and private sector partners as part of a joint initiative focussed on youth and excellence. The championships will provide athletes from Canada and around the world the opportunity to shine on the international stage. The championships will involve:
- More than 500 athletes from 80 countries
- 700 coaches and managers, support staff and officials
- 500 volunteers and 25 jobs
- 500 national and international media members
- Television broadcasting into more than 80 countries
- A significant economic impact for the city of Montreal
- A significant financial and sports legacy.
SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif
Source : Catherine Maurice, Attachée de presse, Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif de la Ville de Montréal, 514 346-7598; Contact: Jean-Paul Caron, Directeur général / CEO, Championnats du monde de gymnastique artistique 2017 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, (613) 282-2115
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