REGINA, Aug. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament (Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River), today announced Canada's support for the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games. This announcement was made at the First Nations University of Canada during a signing ceremony for the multiparty agreement between the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of Regina, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), and the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games Host Society.
"Our Government is proud to invest in the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games," said Minister Gosal. "We are committed to contributing to the health, wellness, and quality of life of Aboriginal Peoples through participation in sport."
"The Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games will have a tremendous impact on the development of our Aboriginal athletes, coaches, and leaders," said Mr. Clarke. "This international sport event will bring direct and significant economic, sport and cultural benefits to Regina, the province of Saskatchewan and to Canada as a whole."
The Games, which will take place in Regina from July 20 to 27, 2014, will involve more than 3,000 volunteers and over 5,000 junior athletes aged 13 to 19, who will compete in 15 sports.
"The 2014 Games will provide a venue for Aboriginal athletes to excel and a platform for Saskatchewan to shine," said Minister responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Tim McMillan. "Our volunteers know how to do world-class events, and I'm looking forward to the unparalleled experience that this event will afford to residents, athletes, and visitors alike."
"The City of Regina is a proud sponsor and supporter of the 2014 National Indigenous Games," said Mayor Pat Fiacco. "In addition to the economic and cultural importance of the Games, involvement in sport brings out the best in our young people and encourages leadership and team building skills that will last a lifetime."
The North American Indigenous Games are the largest sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous people in North America and will provide Canadian Aboriginal athletes, coaches, and officials with a valuable competitive opportunity.
"The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations takes pride in welcoming back the North American Indigenous Games," said Morley Watson, Chair of the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games Host Society's Board of Directors and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations interim Chief. "Saskatchewan was host in 1993, when we held the second annual Indigenous Games in Prince Albert. We look forward to making these games a memorable experience for the thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and fans that will be attending this international event. We want to thank our partners for the tremendous support they have provided to help make these games a reality."
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. The Government of Canada is providing up to $3.5 million for this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.
The Province of Saskatchewan is also providing $3.5 million in support of the Games. The City of Regina is investing $1 million, and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is providing $135,000.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact:
Dustin van Vugt
Chief of Staff
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[email protected]
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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