Harper Government Supports the 2012 FIBT Intercontinental Cup of Skeleton - Whistler

WHISTLER, BC, Nov. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) for the 2012 FIBT (Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing) Intercontinental Cup of Skeleton - Whistler. This event is being held from November 26 to December 1, 2012, at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

"The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton for the 2012 FIBT Intercontinental Cup of Skeleton - Whistler," said Minister of State Gosal. "Hosting international sport events like this World Cup competition offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best in the world, while bringing about a welcome boost to the local economy."

"Giving the next generation of Olympic athletes the opportunity to compete against the world, and on home ice, is critical for their development," said Don Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. "Thanks to the Government of Canada's generous financial support of events like the Intercontinental Cup, Canadian athletes will have a competitive advantage while hosting the world at the Whistler Sliding Centre. We applaud the Harper Government for its continued commitment to excellence."

Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton is a non-profit organization and the national governing body for the sports of bobsleigh and skeleton in Canada.

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 $25,000 in support of this event was provided to BCS through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government of Canada has approved approximately $2.4 million to BCS in 2012-2013 through the Sport Support Program. In 2011-2012, nearly $657,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to assist 58 bobsleigh and skeleton athletes with training and living expenses.

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.) 

SOURCE Canadian Heritage