Harper Government Invests in 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying

VANCOUVER, Jan. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) in support of the 2012 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Women's Olympic Qualifying, which is being held in Vancouver from January 19 to 29, 2012.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to provide its support to help host the 2012 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying," said Minister of State Gosal. "We are proud of our national team athletes, and we recognize their dedication to their sport and the influence they have on the thousands of younger girls playing soccer in Canada."

Canada will be competing against Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, and the United States. The top two teams will qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Hosting international sport events gives Canada the opportunity to showcase our country to athletes and spectators from all over the world and brings significant economic benefits to Canadians and their communities.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. A contribution of $250,000 was provided to the CSA through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. Sport Canada's Sport Support Program is providing $3,311,500 to the CSA for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

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

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