LA BAIE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 11, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament (Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean), on behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced $500,000 from the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, for the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie. The announcement took place at the starting line of the 1000-km cycling marathon that brings together 1000 cyclists in relay format on a 60-hour circuit between Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Montréal.
Quick Facts
-The Grand défi Pierre Lavoie was launched in 2008. As the largest health-related event ever organized in the province of Quebec, it promotes awareness of the benefits of sport participation and physical activity in Canada.
-Since 2010, the Government of Canada has been funding the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie to expand its activities to encourage young people across Canada to adopt healthy life habits. With financial assistance from Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, activities were brought to seven additional provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
-Funding has been provided to support the School Tour, which consists of a Vehicube (a bus that has been transformed to accommodate a nutrition workshop and bike workshop) visiting elementary schools, early childhood centres and day camps to motivate young people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
-The Government of Canada places great importance on 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 sports. At the same time, starting in 2016-17, it will be investing up to an additional $20 million in 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 this Year of Sport in Canada, we are very proud to once again support the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie. We are committed to providing opportunities for Canadians of all ages and all abilities to engage in sport and physical activity, because we know that embracing the power of sport leads to healthier, stronger communities."
-The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)
"Once again I am very impressed by the great work of the organizers of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie. We are proud to partner with organizations that encourage young people to get involved in sport and physical activity. Through the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie, kids get to have fun while learning about the importance of being active and eating well-lessons we hope will last them a lifetime."
-The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament (Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean)
"Every year, more and more kids, teens and adults are following us. Today, even family doctors have chosen to team up with us. This weekend is very important for us, as it gives us a unique platform to raise even more awareness of the importance of changing behaviours that not only have a high cost to us collectively, but also personally given their impact on our quality of life. This weekend, there are going to be thousands of us taking to the streets to shout this message loud and clear. I hope it will be heard."
-Pierre Lavoie, Co-founder of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie
Associated Links
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