GATINEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 29, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced $50,000 from the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to the Canadian Cycling Association to support the hosting of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay from May 28 to 31, 2015, in Saguenay, Quebec.
Quick Facts
- The Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay is an annual international stage race on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar, which will attract 120 athletes from 20 countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France and Spain.
- The funding, provided through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, will provide 45 Canadian athletes, 8 Canadian coaches and 8 officials with a highly competitive international experience.
- In 2014-15, the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, provided $4,475,800 to the Canadian Cycling Association to support programs and services that have a direct impact on athletes and athlete development.
- In 2014-15, the Government of Canada, through the Athlete Assistance Program, provided 55 cycling athletes with direct monthly support to assist with their living, training and education expenses and allow them to focus on their training.
- During the Year of Sport in Canada, the Government of Canada is encouraging Canadians of all levels of ability to participate in sport according to their talents and interests. In Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government doubled the Children's Fitness Tax Credit to $1,000 to help offset the costs of parents enrolling their children in organized sports. At the same time, it will be investing an additional $20 million in the next generation of high-performance Olympic and Paralympic athletes, to ensure they continue to have what they need to push for the podium today and in the future.
Quotes
"During this Year of Sport in Canada, we are very proud to support the Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay as it will provide our top Canadian road cyclists a chance to compete at home against a very strong international field. Against the backdrop of the beautiful Saguenay region of Quebec, this event will also present this exciting sport to young people. We hope they will be inspired to learn more about sport and to follow their own passion.
-The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)
"The Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay will allow our athletes and visiting competitors to enjoy the spirit and beauty of the Saguenay region of Quebec. In turn, the local citizens and businesses will benefit from the excitement and the economic benefits of the tourism that will come into the region. It's a win-win for all."
-The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
"Cycling Canada recognizes and appreciates the funding support provided by the Government of Canada to the Saguenay road races that will occur over four stages this weekend. For many of our country's top aspiring road riders, being able to race in Canada against an international field is important for the continued development of our sport and our athletes, as well as our coaches and officials.
- Greg Mathieu, Chief Executive Officer & Secretary General, Cycling Canada
Associated Links
Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay
Stay Connected
Contact Information:
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
robert.lynch@sports.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca