Government of Canada Supports 2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup

PENTICTON, BC, Jan. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Dan Albas, Member of Parliament (Okanagan-Coquihalla), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to the Canadian Curling Association to host the 2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup (Curling). The event is being held from January 10 to 13, in Penticton, British Columbia.

"The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to the Canadian Curling Association for the 2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup", said Minister of State Gosal. "I convey my best wishes to our athletes in their pursuit of excellence here at home in Canada."

"Hosting international sport events like this Continental Cup offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best in the world, while bringing about a welcome boost to the local economy," said Mr. Albas. "Our athletes serve as outstanding role models, and their accomplishments are an inspiration to Canadians of all ages and abilities. Good luck to all the athletes."

"The Canadian Curling Association is sincerely thankful for the Government of Canada's funding support towards the 2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup, which is one of the Canadian Curling Association's Season of Champions properties," said Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association. "It is with such support that these major events are able to be successfully hosted."

The Canadian Curling Association is the national governing body for the sport of curling in Canada. The Canadian Curling Association encourages and facilitates the growth and development of curling in cooperation with its network of affiliates. It is also responsible for overseeing the Canadian national teams at world championships, as well as Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. Funding of $50,000 has been provided for this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. Sport Canada's Sport Support Program has approved almost $2.9 million for the Canadian Curling Association in fiscal year 2012-13. In 2011-12, almost $600,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to support 54 athletes with living and training expenses.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

media only:

Dustin van Vugt
Chief of Staff
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C.,
M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
[e-mail]

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[e-mail]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)