Canada to Host the World's Best Synchronized Swimming Teams

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 1, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced $40,000 in funding to Synchro Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to support the 2015 Shiseido Canadian Open Synchronized Swimming Championships. The event is taking place in Toronto from April 30 to May 3, 2015, as a test event in preparation for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.

Quick Facts

- There are 50 athletes from 9 countries taking part in these championships, along with 20 Canadian high-performance athletes funded through Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program, 65 Canadian coaches and 36 Canadian officials.

- The Government of Canada has provided up to $114.9 million for the cost of the construction of the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Aquatics Centre and Field House, representing 56 percent the project's total cost of $205.1 million. The University of Toronto (Scarborough) and the City of Toronto each also contributed 22 percent of the total project costs. The Government of Canada is also contributing $65 million to the Toronto Sport Legacy Fund to ensure that three new facilities-including the Aquatics Centre and Field House-will be properly maintained and accessible tor athletes for many years to come.

- During the Year of Sport in Canada, we are celebrating our athletes and their role in inspiring all Canadians-especially our young people-as they compete at home in major international events throughout the year, including the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 and the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.

- When we embrace the power of sport and lead more active lifestyles, we benefit as individuals but we also build healthier, stronger communities. That is why the Government has doubled the Children's Fitness Tax Credit to $1,000. This, together with the expansion of the Universal Child Care Benefit, will help offset the costs of parents enrolling their children in organized sports.

Quotes

"It is an honour for Canada to host the 2015 Shiseido Canadian Open Synchronized Swimming Championships, and it takes on even greater significance during this Year of Sport in Canada, with only a few months until the Toronto Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. We are proud to support Synchro Canada in bringing some of the world's best athletes to Toronto, as events like these championships inspire young people to be active in sport, and allow them to dream of one day competing at the highest level. Good luck to all of the athletes competing this weekend; the volunteers, officials, organizers, and the fans will no doubt be amazed by your outstanding performances."

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

"Synchro Canada is thrilled to benefit from the support of the Government of Canada, through the Department of Canadian Heritage and Sport Canada's Hosting Program. Without this financial support, events such as these would be almost impossible to host. Our Board of Directors, athletes and support staff recognize and thank Sport Canada for their many sport-related support initiatives-especially in this Year of Sport, when as the hosts of the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, so much additional attention will be on Canada as a major sport hosting nation."

-Jackie Buckingham, CEO of Synchro Canada.

Associated Links

Sport Canada

Synchro Canada

FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015

Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games

Children's Fitness Tax Credit

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