Government of Canada to support Canadian athletes travelling to Fairbanks, Alaska, for the Arctic Winter Games
GATINEAU,QC, March 12, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, congratulates the Canadian athletes and artists heading to the 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Games, taking place from March 15 to 22, 2014, feature popular winter sports alongside traditional Arctic sports and Dene games.
The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada, is funding travel-related costs of athletes from each of the territories to Fairbanks. This funding will be matched by territorial counterparts and will result in the participation of more than 1,000 athletes representing the three territories at these Games.
Quick Facts
- The Arctic Winter Games, established in 1970 and held every two years, are a northern circumpolar multisport and cultural event, featuring participation from Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Northern Alberta, and Nunavik-Quebec), the United States (Alaska), Greenland, Russia and Scandinavia.
- The Arctic Winter Games encourage sport participation, athlete development, training of coaches and officials. They promote culture and values and encourage community development, confidence, and pride.
- The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada, provides travel funding for the territories sending delegations to the Games when they are held outside of Canada. Since 2002, each territory has received a contribution of up to $100,000 for athlete travel that is matched by the territorial governments.
- Canada hosted the previous Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon, in 2012.
Quotes
"Our Government is committed to encouraging youth to participate in sports. I am very excited for the athletes and artists who will be representing their communities, their regions, and Canada at the Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks. Good luck to all our athletes, coaches, and performers."
—Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
"Our Government is pleased to support our athletes going to the Arctic Winter Games. I would like to extend my congratulations to all of the Canadian competitors and coaches for their dedication to promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and a strong culture to their local community."
—Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)
Associated Links
Sport Canada
2014 Arctic Winter Games (Official Site)
Arctic Winter Games International (Official Site)
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
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]
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