Government of Canada Supports Freestyle Skiing Competitions in Canada

SAINT-ADÈLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Jan. 10, 2011) - The Canadian Freestyle Ski Association can once again count on the Government of Canada's support to host Freestyle Skiing competitions in Canada, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), announced today.

"We are pleased to support the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association," said Minister of State Lunn. "Canadian athletes participating in freestyle skiing competitions in Canada will be competing against the best in the world. These events will provide participants and spectators alike with an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the highest level of freestyle skiing competitions right here at home. I welcome and wish all competing athletes much success."

"The Government of Canada's support for the Canadian FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup events is extremely important to the success of these events," said Bruce Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association. "Canada is renowned for hosting one of the best FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup competitions on the FIS World Cup Tour. We have been able to train some of the world's best technical officials and volunteers to produce an event that our athletes, sponsors, and the Canadian public can be proud of, partly because of the Government's continued support."

The Canadian Freestyle Ski Association is the national governing body for the sport in Canada. The organization oversees the management of freestyle skiing programming from the entry level to international competition, including Canadian athletes and teams participating in world cups and Olympic Games.

Sport Canada, through its Hosting Program, is providing $230,000 to the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association. This funding will help support the following events:

• $50,000 for the Canada Post Freestyle Skiing Grand Prix event taking place January 12 to 16, 2011, at Ski Mont Gabriel in Saint-Adèle, Quebec

• $180,000 for the Canada Post Freestyle Skiing Grand Prix event taking place January 25 to 29, 2011, at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alberta

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium.

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