Canadian Sailors Are Set to Take on World's Best This Summer in Kingston

KINGSTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 8, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced $230,000 in funding from the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to Sail Canada to support the hosting of three international sailing regattas this summer in Kingston:

• the Laser Standard Men's World Championships ($150,000) from June 29 to July 8;
• the 2015 CORK International and Olympic Classes Regattas ($40,000) from August 9 to 19; and
• the 2015 Laser Radial Youth World Championship ($40,000) from August 14 to 20.

Quick Facts

- The Laser Standard Men's World Championship will provide an opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games.

- Hosting the 2015 Laser Radial Youth World Championship will provide 40 Canadian non-carded athletes with an international competitive opportunity. It will also allow for the participation of 15 Canadian coaches and 62 Canadian officials.

- Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing. The organization promotes sailing and power boating through collaboration with its partners, the provincial sailing associations, member clubs, schools and many individual stakeholders.

- During the 2015-16 fiscal year, Sport Canada's Sport Support Program will provide up to $1,142,500 to Sail Canada for programs and services that have a direct impact on athlete development.

- From November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015, Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program is providing approximately $457,000 to support 76 Canadian high-performance sailing athletes (43 women and 33 men) with direct monthly support for living, training and special needs expenses to help them focus on their training.

- The Government of Canada places great importance on our high-performance athletes, as well as healthy and active Canadians. 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 sport. Starting in 2016-17, it will be investing up to an additional $20 million into the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes to ensure they have what they need to push for the podium, now and in the future.

Quotes

"During the Year of Sport in Canada, we are proud to support Sail Canada in hosting these three international competitions in Kingston. With only a few days until the opening of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, these sailing regattas and championships will provide a taste of the competition to come and are part of more than 60 international single-sport events that are taking place this year from coast to coast to coast. Without a doubt, the volunteers, officials, organizers and the fans will all witness exceptional performances. We welcome all visiting sailors and wish our Canadian ones the very best."

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

"Sail Canada is delighted that Canada has been chosen for these three major regattas that will offer a range of opportunities to Canadian sailing athletes, officials and host organizations. The support of the government, through Sport Canada's hosting program, is vital to ensure the success of these events, which will see sailors from more than 60 countries compete in Kingston, with the consequent competition, training, coaching and financial benefits to the host community. Sail Canada joins Minister of State Gosal in welcoming the sailors, officials and volunteers-we look forward to making your visit a memorable one."

- Paddy Boyd, Executive Director, Sail Canada

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Sport

Sail Canada

Year of Sport in Canada

Children's Fitness Tax Credit

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