Media Advisory: Canada's Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities to Attend the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 6, 2016) - The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, will attend the 2016 Paralympic Games from September 6 to 15 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place from September 7 to 18 and include 4,300 athletes from more than 160 countries. With the support of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and our summer national sport organizations, Canada will field a team of 312, which includes 162 athletes and guides/sport assistants in 19 sports, along with coaches and support staff.

The Government of Canada is proud to be the single largest investor in our country's sport system, with significant investments in Canada's able-bodied and parasport athletes. We make these investments on behalf of Canadians because we know the impact our Paralympians have in encouraging all Canadians-especially our young people and those living with disabilities-to get involved in sport and recreation, and even inspiring some to chase their own podium dreams. A more active and inclusive Canada is a stronger Canada.

As Canada looks ahead to the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Rio 2016 Games will be another chapter in our country's rich sporting history, another chance to celebrate sport's contribution to our national identity and another opportunity to be inspired by the accomplishments of our athletes.

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"Canadians from coast to coast to coast are behind our athletes at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. As Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, I'm honoured to be representing the Government of Canada in Rio and I promise all Canadians-35 million strong-that I will bring your heartfelt encouragement to our athletes, coaches and support team."

-The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities