Government of Canada Supports the 2015 UANA Cup

MARKHAM, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 1, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Paul Calandra, Member of Parliament (Oaks Ridges- Markham), on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), attended the 2015 Unión Americana de Natación (UANA) Cup international water polo tournament and took part in the awards ceremony.

The 2015 UANA Cup was a test event for the Atos Pan Am / Parapan Am Centre in Markham, the site of the water polo competition of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games. It also served as the Americas' official qualifying tournament for the 2015 FINA World Aquatic Championships, which will be held this summer in Kazan, Russia.

Quick Facts

• The event attracted 72 athletes from 3 countries: Argentina, Brazil and Canada. The Canadian men's national team competed against Argentina and Brazil, and the women's national team against Brazil.
• For the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the Government of Canada contributed $100,000 to Water Polo Canada through Sport Canada's Hosting Program to support the 2015 UANA Cup.
• For the 2014-2015 fiscal year, the Government of Canada has contributed about $2,292,000 to Water Polo Canada through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program.
• In the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the Government of Canada provided approximately $850,000 to 86 athletes (36 men and 50 women) through Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program to assist with their living, training and education expenses and allow them to focus on their training.
• The last UANA Cup in 2013 was also hosted by Water Polo Canada at the Talisman Centre in Calgary. Both the men's and women's national teams won their respective competitions and qualified for the 2013 World Aquatic Championships in Barcelona, Spain.

Quotes

"We are pleased to support Water Polo Canada in hosting the 2015 UANA Cup. International tournaments such as these give Canadian athletes a chance to compete against the world's best here at home in front of enthusiastic Canadian fans. During the Year of Sport in Canada and as we prepare to host the TO2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, we celebrate sport, our athletes and the role they play in helping define our cultural fabric from coast to coast to coast."

-The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

"Hosting the 2015 UANA Cup is an amazing opportunity to demonstrate our support for the development of Canadian athletes as we celebrate the Year of Sport in Canada. This event not only helps us promote our athletes but is also an important social, cultural and economic driver that benefits Markham and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region."

-Paul Calandra, Member of Parliament (Oak Ridges-Markham)

"The Government of Canada has been a steadfast partner of Water Polo Canada in the pursuit of our goal of excellence for the sport of water polo at all levels of play. We are truly thankful to Minister of State Gosal for the support extended to us for the hosting of the 2015 UANA Cup and we are excited to add our event to the numerous celebrations that will make this 2015 Year of Sport come alive throughout Canada."

- Conrad Hadubiak, President, Water Polo Canada

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Sport

Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games (Official site)

Water Polo Canada

UANA

FINA

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