2015 IBU Cups 7 and 8 Showcase the World's Best Biathletes

CANMORE, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Feb. 28, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Blake Richards, Member of Parliament (Wild Rose), on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), announced $100,000 in support to Biathlon Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to host the 2015 International Biathlon Union (IBU) Cups 7 and 8.

The two events are taking place at the Canmore Nordic Centre, a legacy facility from the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games, from February 27 to March 8, 2015.

Quick Facts

• Hosting these important events will provide 18 Canadian athletes, 7 coaches and more than 200 Canadian officials with important experience during this international competition. More than 230 athletes from 25 countries will compete.
• These competitions are recognized as annual international events on the IBU calendar. Biathlon Canada is able to foster the development of Canadian high-performance athletes, coaches, and officials through hosting these events, as well as offer the benefits of competing against world-class athletes.
• In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, Sport Canada is contributing up to $679,700 to Biathlon Canada through the Sport Support Program to support the delivery and development of biathlon in Canada.
• From May 2014 to April 2015, Sport Canada will provide $211,398 through the Athlete Assistance Program to support 14 biathletes with living, education and training expenses to help them focus on their pursuit of excellence.
• Biathlon Canada, a non-profit organization, is the national governing body for the sport of biathlon in this country.

Quotes

"It is such a great opportunity for Canada to host the world's best biathletes at the world-renowned Canmore Nordic Centre, a legacy facility from the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter Games. What a chance for Canadians-especially our young people-to cheer on and be inspired by our top biathletes as they compete against the world's best right here at home. We will be cheering from coast to coast to coast as we celebrate their efforts and achievements during the Year of Sport in Canada."

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

"I am very proud of Canmore and the beautiful Bow Valley region for putting on such an incredible event. It's fantastic to be able to witness world-class performances right here in our backyard. I know we will showcase our warmest hospitality as the international biathlon community's eyes are on us. I invite everyone to join in the action, learn more about biathlon and celebrate sport in one of Canada's most picturesque regions."

-Blake Richards, Member of Parliament (Wild Rose)

"Thanks to the Government of Canada's generous financial support, Canadian biathletes are coming home to host the world at the IBU Cup in Canmore. Be it investments in programming through the Own the Podium initiative or the Athlete Assistance Program, the Government of Canada has given our athletes the opportunity to showcase our sport on home snow and compete for the international podium each time we hit the start line. The federal government's leadership has given us a unique opportunity to inspire more kids across Canada to hop into a pair of skis and live a healthy, active life."

-Murray Wylie, President, Biathlon Canada

Associated Links

Sport Canada

Canmore Biathlon

Biathlon Canada

International Biathlon Union

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