Special Olympics Canada Receives Ongoing Annual Support - Harper Government announces long-term annual funding for Special Olympics Canada

OTTAWA, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal today announced that the Government of Canada will provide Special Olympics Canada with an ongoing additional $1 million in annual funding. This will bring the organization's annual funding from Sport Canada to more than $2.8 million.

Quick Facts

• Special Olympics Canada enriches the lives of Canadians with intellectual disabilities through sport by providing coaching, training, and competition opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities.
• More than 3,000 year-round Special Olympics programs benefit almost 37,000 athletes across Canada.
• Special Olympics Canada is supported by more than 17,000 volunteers, including 13,000 trained coaches.
• The 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will be held July 8 to 12 in Vancouver, British Columbia. This is the first time in more than 20 years that the Games will be held in British Columbia.
• The 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will feature 11 sports, making them the largest Canadian Games ever.

Quotes
"I am more than pleased to provide this additional funding, which will help see that our Special Olympics athletes get all the support they need to excel in their sport and achieve their dreams. I congratulate Special Olympics Canada and commend this organization on its continued efforts on behalf of Special Olympics athletes across the country."
—Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

"The stable funding announced today will allow Special Olympics to grow and benefit an increasing number of Canadians. I am proud that our Government is committed to providing opportunities for Canadians of all ages and all abilities to engage in sport and physical activity and to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle."
—Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance

"Special Olympics Canada is thrilled with today's announcement by Minister Gosal. The commitment to provide this funding on an ongoing basis allows Special Olympics Canada and the 12 provincial and territorial chapters to deliver sport programs to even more Canadians with an intellectual disability. The support of our federal government is integral to the ability and success of Special Olympics to positively impact the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport. We thank them for their support on behalf of our athletes and their families, our volunteers, and our coaches."
—Sharon Bollenbach, Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics Canada

Associated Links
Sport Canada
Special Olympics Canada
Special Olympics Canada Summer Games

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
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]