26th UCI Mountain Bike World Cup: Sports Performances and Musical Shows at Mont-Sainte-Anne, August 5 to 7

QUÉBEC CITY, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Aug. 4, 2016) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and Department of Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada)

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, and the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announce financial support from the Government of Canada for Vélirium.

Established in 2003, Vélirium is organized around the International Cycling Union's (UCI) World Cup. This international mountain biking competition involves a multitude of amateur races as well as several sporting, family and cultural events. As a standard-bearer of a healthy, active lifestyle, Vélirium generates significant media and tourism benefits for the greater Québec City area, thereby contributing to its international reputation.

The financial assistance awarded by CED for 2015 and 2016 amounts to $200,000 and is provided in the form of a non-repayable contribution under Quebec Economic Development Program. The funds will be directed to promote this major mountain biking sports event on the Canadian and US markets and, through a partnership with the UCI, will be used to publicize the events in some 20 countries.

The Department of Canadian Heritage, on the other hand, is awarding $100,000 through Sport Canada Hosting Program. That amount will enable nearly 430 athletes from about 30 countries to compete for the cup on Canadian soil and inspire the next cohort of cyclists.

Quotes

"Tourism is one of the sectors undergoing the fastest development throughout the world. By supporting events like Vélirium, we are demonstrating our commitment to foster the growth of an industry which generates significant benefits and helps strengthen Canada's economy."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The presence of high-level athletes is evidence of the vitality of mountain biking in Canada and, once again, confirms the country's place in the global sports circuit. It is through sporting events of this type that we can make Canada a top sports and tourist destination."

- The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sports and Persons with Disabilities

Related links

Vélirium's website: http://www.velirium.com/en

For more information about the QEDP: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/programs/qedp/index.html

Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada) http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1413910841375/1413910880559

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