Minister Carla Qualtrough Announces Government of Canada Support for the White Spot | Delta Road Race

The White Spot | Delta Road Race allows more than 150 professional cyclists to compete in front of a cheerful and passionate Canadian crowd

DELTA, BC, July 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Delta, announced that the Government of Canada is supporting the White Spot | Delta Road Race, which will be held in Delta for the 17^th year on July 8. Minister Qualtrough made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

The Government of Canada recognizes how valuable it is to Canadian cyclists to perform in front of their biggest fans and how important such races are to their International Cycling Union (UCI) ranking. Sport Canada is providing $50,000 in funding through the Hosting Program to help organize this successful event, which meets UCI requirements.

Hosting such events also has a significant impact on youth, who will witness the strength, determination and pride demonstrated by cyclists from 11 participating countries, including the 110 Canadians athletes who will have the opportunity to gain valuable competitive experience. It will be a very exciting day for all sport fans, bike enthusiasts and Delta residents.

Quotes

"I am very proud that our government is helping support the White Spot | Delta Road Race, but above all, I am grateful for all the efforts deployed by the organizers and volunteers to put together a world-class event that reflects Canada's sporting heritage. On this exciting day, the strength of our country will not only be demonstrated on the bikes, but also in our warm way of welcoming other countries and in the passion of our supporters. Good luck to all the cyclists!"

—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"I'm excited to once again welcome athletes, coaches and supporters from across the country and around the world to beautiful Delta. The White Spot | Delta Road Race is one of the city's most anticipated summer events as it attracts world-class, high-performance cyclists who take on Delta's picturesque yet challenging roads, trails and terrain. Every year these athletes leave our enthusiastic crowds, especially our youth, inspired to get more active, pursue a healthy lifestyle and set up goals for success. I wish the best of luck to all the athletes competing in this important race!"

—The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Delta

Quick Facts

For the 2018–19 fiscal year, Sport Canada is contributing up to $5.449 million to Cycling Canada Cyclisme through the Sport Support Program.

Hosting the White Spot | Delta Road Race will provide carded and non-carded Canadian athletes with a competitive opportunity.

The White Spot | Delta Road Race is one of the city's most anticipated summer events. It has attracted world-class cyclists and enthusiastic crowds every year since 2001.

The White Spot | Delta Road Race is one of nine professional races featured during the BC Superweek, from July 6 to 15.

The race will provide Canadian athletes with an opportunity to attain valuable UCI points that will go toward selection criteria for World Championships.

Associated Links

Sport Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/sport.html

White Spot | Delta Road Race http://tourdedelta.ca/white-spot-delta-uci-1-2-road-race/

Cycling Canada Cyclisme http://www.cyclingcanada.ca/

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

For further information: (media only), please contact: Annabelle Archambault, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, 819-953-1275; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.pch.gc.ca