Canadian Track Athletes Target Records in Edmonton

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 12, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Multiculturalism) and Member of Parliament (Edmonton-Sherwood Park), on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) will participate in the Opening Ceremonies of the fifth and final leg of the 2015 National Track League competition in Edmonton.

Minister of State Uppal will reiterate $400,000 in funding from the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to Athletics Canada to support the 2015 National Track League.

Quick Facts

• Funding for the National Track League, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, will provide more than 700 Canadian athletes, 200 Canadian coaches and 375 Canadian officials with a highly competitive international experience.

• In 2014-15, the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, provided Athletics Canada with $4,888,500 to support programs and services that have a direct impact on athlete development.

• In 2014-15, the Government of Canada, through the Athlete Assistance Program, gave 145 athletics competitors-with and without disabilities-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 Olympic and Paralympic athletes, to ensure they continue to have what they need to push for the podium today and in the future.

Quotes

"Canada is a leading sport nation with a long tradition of excellence in track and field. The National Track League gives our Canadian competitors the opportunity to face off, here at home, against some of the best athletes from around the world. We look forward to hosting many of them again soon at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, and wish every success to all our athletes."

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

"Hosting international sport events like this one generates economic benefits for local businesses that have a significant impact across our community. We are proud of our city, the organizing committee and the hundreds of volunteers that proudly reflect Canadian values and diversity to visitors from both this country and abroad."

-The Honorable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Multiculturalism) and Member of Parliament (Edmonton-Sherwood Park)

"Athletics Canada is extremely grateful of the ongoing support from the Government of Canada for the National Track League and Edmonton's TrackTown Classic. The National Track League, Athletics Canada's annual grand-prix series, helps ensure Canadian athletes are ready to compete and win medals against the world's best on the international stage, including at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as World Championships. This would not be possible without the Government of Canada's support."

-Rob Guy, Chief Executive Officer, Athletics Canada

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Sport

Athletics Canada

National Track League

Year of Sport

Children's Fitness Tax Credit

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