Harper Government Supports the 2012 Canada Open Taekwondo Championships / World Para Taekwondo Open

TORONTO, May 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Taekwondo Canada in support of the 2012 Canada Open Taekwondo Championships / World Para Taekwondo Open in Toronto.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to announce our support for this important taekwondo event on the road to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London," said Minister of State Gosal. "Our athletes are a constant source of inspiration and pride, and I wish them much success in their pursuit of excellence."

The 2012 Canada Open Taekwondo Championships / World Para Taekwondo Open, an annual international event on the regular competition calendar, will attract 1,750 athletes from around the world. The event will bring benefits for the development of Canadian high-performance athletes, coaches, and officials.

"On behalf of the whole Taekwondo Canada community, we want to thank the Government of Canada and the Honourable Bal Gosal for their invaluable support of the 2012 Canada Open," said Kate Nosworthy of Taekwondo Canada. "This event has grown 300 percent in the last two years, and we look forward to hosting this for many years to come. Hosting over 17 countries in Toronto for this prestigious event is only possible with the support we have received. We look forward to many more successful events in the future."

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. A contribution of $50,000 was provided to Taekwondo Canada through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. Sport Canada's Sport Support Program provided approximately $500,000 to Taekwondo Canada for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage