Government of Canada Supports the 2016 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 26, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, was at the 2016 Canada Cup International Wheechair Rugby Tournament today to watch and cheer on Team Canada in one of their final tune-ups before the team heads to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. During an official ceremony following the final game, Minister Qualtrough reiterated the Government of Canada's support, through Sport Canada, for Canada's elite wheelchair rugby athletes.

The Government of Canada provided $50,000, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association in support of the 2016 Canada Cup. The event helped 12 elite Canadian athletes, 4 Canadian coaches, and 15 Canadian officials gain important international experience in their sport.

Quick Facts

• The 7^th edition of the Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament takes place from June 21 to 26, with 80 international athletes from 9 countries.
• The Government of Canada provided approximately $260,000 in direct monthly support to 18 wheelchair rugby athletes in 2015-16 through Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program to assist them with their living, training and education expenses. Through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, the Government of Canada also provided $1,355,750 in 2015-16 to the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association to support their core business and National Team programming for wheelchair rugby.
• Australia won the previous Canada Cup in 2014, while Canada finished second.
• Canada and seven other countries will compete for gold in wheelchair rugby at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games from September 14 to 18, 2016.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to support Canada's wheelchair rugby athletes, coaches and support staff as they push for the podium again in Rio. The team's passion and tenacity is inspiring to all of us, but especially our young people. Thanks to the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, the BC Wheelchair Sports Association, the local tournament organizers and especially the many volunteers for your hard work and dedication to making the 2016 Canada Cup such a wonderful event."

- The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"The BC Wheelchair Sports Association and the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association are very grateful for the support of the Government of Canada for the 2016 Canada Cup. The tournament is the last stop on the Road to Rio for wheelchair rugby, and we are incredibly excited to host seven of the top teams in the world at the Richmond Olympic Oval. This event is a key part of Team Canada's preparations for the Paralympic Games and will have enormous benefits for sport and community development over the long term."

- Gail Hamamoto, Executive Director, BC Wheelchair Sports Association

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Sport

2016 Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

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