Government of Canada Supports Gymnastics Canada

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Jan. 27, 2011) - Gymnastics Canada will receive financial support from the Government of Canada to host the 2011 Montréal Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup and L'international Gymnix 2011. Funding was announced by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport).

"Our Government is pleased to support Canada's finest gymnasts through Gymnastics Canada at the prestigious 2011 Montréal Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup event and L'international Gymnix 2011," said Minister of State Lunn. "Gymnastics is a beautiful and graceful sport that requires strength, flexibility, agility, and balance. Watching our athletes perform is an inspiration and a source of pride to all Canadians. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am delighted to wish our athletes all the best while competing in these events."

"Gymnastics Canada wants to thank the Government of Canada for their ongoing collaboration and financial support through its Hosting Program," said Jean-Paul Caron, President and CEO of Gymnastics Canada. "The hosting of prestigious international gymnastics and World Cup events in Canada would not be possible without the financial assistance from the Government of Canada. We are very appreciative of the support and trust that the Government of Canada is providing to Gymnastics Canada for the hosting and presentation of gymnastics events of the highest standards."

Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. The organization promotes and provides positive and diverse gymnastics experiences through the delivery of high-quality and safe gymnastics programming.

Sport Canada, through its Hosting Program, is providing $100,000 in funding to Gymnastics Canada to help support the following events that benefit the development of high-performance gymnasts:

• $50,000 for the 2011 Montréal Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup, which is taking place from January 27 to 30 at Centre Pierre Charbonneau in Montréal
• $50,000 to L'international Gymnix 2011, which will take place from March 10 to 13 at Centre Claude-Robillard Sport Complex in Montréal

The Rhythmic Gymnastics Montréal World Cup is held every year and attracts athletes from 15 countries. It is the only World Cup event in rhythmic gymnastics held in the Americas. L'international Gymnix 2011, which will be celebrating its twentieth edition this year, is also held annually and attracts athletes from more than 10 countries.

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.)