Harper Government Continues Support for Canada's Athletes with Funding for the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships

TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and Member of Parliament (London North Centre), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Skate Canada to host the 2013 International Skating Union (ISU) World Figure Skating Championships. The event is being held from March 11 to 17 in London, Ontario.

"Giving Canadian sports fans an opportunity to watch, first-hand, our athletes competing at the highest levels against the world's best is one of the reasons we are excited to be hosting international sport events like these Championships," said Minister of State Gosal. "Our athletes' accomplishments are an inspiration to all Canadians, and I wish them the best of luck."

"Our Government, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Skate Canada for the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships," said Ms. Truppe. "Hosting such an event also provides a welcome boost to the local economy. I want to convey my best wishes to our athletes as they continue their pursuit of excellence here at home in Canada, and I look forward to welcoming them to London."

"The Government of Canada's funding for sporting events and programs has been a critical factor in the success of our athletes," said Benoît Lavoie, President of Skate Canada. "Hosting these ISU World Figure Skating Championships in our country not only provides home field advantage to our Canadian skaters, but also encourages younger athletes, expands opportunities for volunteers, and engages businesses and sponsors in new and different ways. We can't wait to share our Canadian hospitality and event expertise once again with the rest of the world."

Skate Canada is the national sport organization responsible for the development of figure skating in Canada and is the largest figure skating governing body in the world.  As the national sport governing body, it develops programming for coaches and officials and is responsible for skater development from the local club to world and Olympic champions. Skate Canada has been teaching Canadians to skate for 125 years.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. Funding of $2.2 million has been provided for this event through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. Sport Canada's Sport Support Program  has contributed $1.9 million to Skate Canada in fiscal year 2012-2013. In 2011-2012, almost $520,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to support 45 athletes with living and training expenses.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage