Government of Canada Funds the Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay

SAGUENAY, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - May 10, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the granting of $39,063 in non-repayable funding to the Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay to help maximize the reach and economic benefits of this international cycling event.

"Canada Economic Development is proud to lend its financial support to the 2011Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay. Hosting this prestigious sporting event here in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean will allow spectators to enjoy high-calibre competitions," said Minister of State Lebel.

The Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay is part of the Nations' Cup U23 series, and is the only leg to be held outside of Europe. From June 2 to 5, 2011, some 15 teams of the world's top cyclists aged 19 to 22 years will represent more than 20 countries in various competitions.

Welcoming thousands of visitors to the region, many of them from outside Quebec, is expected to generate as much as a million dollars in tourism spinoffs and this during a period of low tourist traffic. Moreover, wide-scale media coverage of the event will give millions of television viewers the chance to discover the many attractions the Saguenay−Lac-Saint-Jean region has to offer. With the promotional activities that go with it, the Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay helps put the region squarely on the world tourism map.

Minister of State Lebel wished all of the competitors the best of luck, saying he was happy to see the Coupe des Nations Ville de Saguenay back again for the fourth year, and saluting the many volunteers who help make this event a success. "This gives our young athletes an exciting challenge to strive for and the perfect opportunity to push their personal limits," he concluded.

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