MONCTON, NB, May 4, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and Member of Parliament (Fredericton), on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today congratulated the city of Moncton on being named one of the host cities of the upcoming 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup™.
"It is with great excitement that we learn today that the city of Moncton will host the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup™." said Minister Ashfield. "This is a great moment in sport history for the Moncton community, and we look forward to welcoming such world-class competition to our city. Our Government is pleased to be a key supporter in the hosting of this prestigious event, and can't wait to cheer on our Women's National Team as they face off in the highest level of soccer competition right here in New Brunswick."
"We are extremely grateful to FIFA for providing us with the opportunity to host this most important competition," said Canadian Soccer Association President, Dr. Dominique Maestracci. "The sport of soccer continues to gain momentum both as a participatory and spectator experience in our country with nearly half of all participants female. We thank the Government of Canada and our provincial and municipal government partners for their outstanding support to ensure we will continue that growth through 2015 and beyond."
Of the close to 400,000 women and girls registered in soccer in 2008, over 6,000 were playing in the province of New Brunswick. This is great news for the province and for the sport of soccer as it continues to grow across the country.
The Government of Canada is extremely proud to be an active supporter of this prestigious international event that will once again allow our great nation to shine on the world scene. We look forward to celebrating with FIFA, the Canadian Soccer Association and with Canadian fans from coast to coast as we welcome the world to the province of New Brunswick.
The Government of Canada contribution of up to $15M from Sport Canada's Hosting Program will enable the Canadian Soccer Association to stage this historic event, which will also bring welcome economic benefits to the region by creating jobs and opportunities for Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs before, during and after the event.
(media only), please contact:
Jenny Van Alstyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
jenny.va[email protected]
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room.)
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