Government of Canada Supports the Essent ISU World Allround Speed Skating Championship 2011

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 12, 2011) - Speed Skating Canada will be able to count on the support of the Government of Canada again this year to host the Essent ISU World Allround Speed Skating Championship 2011. This was announced today by Rob Anders, Member of Parliament (Calgary West), on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport).

This championship is held every two years and attracts 48 athletes from 18 countries. The event is taking place on February 12 and 13, 2011, in Calgary and will be hosted by Speed Skating Canada in conjunction with the local organizing committee.

"Our Government takes great pride in supporting the Essent ISU World Allround Speed Skating Championship 2011," said Minister of State Lunn. "It is always exciting to welcome participants from other countries, as well as our own Canadian athletes. We wish them all the best for a great competition and a great time in Calgary. Hosting international events such as this one has positive economic and social impacts for Canadians and their communities, and benefits our Canadian athletes and the sport community as a whole."

"In Canada, we are proud of our athletes and our reputation as a leading winter-sport nation. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank Skate Canada, the host society, the officials, and the volunteers who help make this event a success," said Mr. Anders.

"Speed Skating Canada is thrilled to have the opportunity to host the world's best speed skaters for the 2011 Essent ISU World Allround Championship," said John-Paul Cody-Cox, Speed Skating Canada CEO. "It is always an honour to host a World Championship, and we are confident that the Calgary Organizing Committee—who has been putting together speed skating events at the Calgary Olympic Oval for over 20 years now—will once again do an outstanding job for the athletes, coaches, and spectators. Many 2010 Olympic medallists will be on site, and some of our own Canadian stars will battle it out for a shot at the podium."

Speed Skating Canada (SSC) is the governing body for speed skating in Canada. SSC manages the high-performance programs for the athletes of the Canadian National Speed Skating Team who represent Canada throughout the world.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. A contribution of $110,000 was provided to Speed Skating Canada through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.