Government of Canada Supports Ski Cross World Cup at Blue Mountain Resort

BLUE MOUNTAIN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 9, 2011) - Alpine Canada Alpin will once again host an international world cup event with a financial contribution from the Government of Canada, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), announced today.

The Fédération International de Ski (FIS) Ski Cross World Cup will be held at Blue Mountain Resort from February 9 to 11, 2011.

"Our Government is proud to support the 2011 FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Blue Mountain, which will welcome more than a hundred of the world's best ski cross athletes from 21 countries," said Minister of State Lunn. "This event will provide participants and spectators alike with an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the highest level of ski cross competition. I wish all competing athletes much success."

"Alpine Canada Alpin is very fortunate to have the Government of Canada supporting such a high-calibre event," said Max Gartner, President of Alpine Canada Alpin. "Without their support, our athletes would not be able to show off their skills on home soil. This support tremendously helps the development of the sport of Ski Cross. It also gives younger athletes the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of athletes such as Olympic Champion Ashleigh McIvor."

Alpine Canada Alpin is the national governing body for ski cross in Canada. The organization oversees the management of ski cross programming from the entry level to international competition, including Canadian athletes and teams participating in world cups and Olympic Games.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. Funding of $50,000 is being provided to Alpine Canada Alpin through Sport Canada's Hosting Program to help make this event a success.

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