Harper Government Supports the 2012 CORK OCR and International Regatta

KINGSTON, ON, Aug. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds-Grenville), today confirmed the Government of Canada's contribution to the Canadian Yachting Association in support of the 2012 CORK OCR and International Regatta. This year's event, which is being held from August 13 to 22, will feature 800 sailors from 15 countries.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to continue to support this international event in the historic city of Kingston," said Minister of State Gosal. "The organizers and volunteers have provided the opportunity for our sailors to compete against the best in the world, while bringing an economic boost to the region."

"Kingston's Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, a legacy of the 1976 Montréal Olympic Games, has proudly hosted championships for international classes for the past 37 years" said Mr. Brown. "The site offers training for sailors, coaches, and officials and is where many of our Olympians have honed their skills."

"CORK is an integral part of the Canadian competitive sailing pathway, catering for sailors ranging from Optimist Class to Olympic aspirants," said Paddy Boyd, Executive Director of the Canadian Yachting Association. "Many of the participants have sailed or will sail on the International circuit, benefitting tremendously from the development opportunities offered by this well-run regatta series. CYA is delighted with the continued support from the Government of Canada."

The Canadian Yachting Association is a registered amateur athletic association designated by the Government of Canada as a national sport organization for the sport of sailing. The Association represents all participants—including recreational sailors and high-performance athletes—at the club, provincial, national, and international levels.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. It is proud to support Canadian sport excellence through federal programs and policies that contribute to athletic achievement in world class competition.A contribution of $50,000 was provided to the Canadian Yachting Association for the 2012 CORK OCR and International Regatta through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government of Canada also contributed more than $1.6 million in 2012-2013 to the Canadian Yachting Association through the Sport Support Program.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

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
[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.)