Minister Denis Lebel Attends Sherbrooke 2013 Canada Summer Games

SHERBROOKE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Aug. 12, 2013) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, will be attending the cycling events and presenting the Against the clock medals today. He also took the opportunity to highlight the funding provided by the Government of Canada for the organization of the 24th Canada Summer Games.

"It is important for me to be here today to cheer on the athletes who will be experiencing a unique moment in their respective competitions―the culmination of long months of training. It is very impressive to witness these performances. I applaud their determination and courage. They are an inspiration to young athletes across the country," said Minister Lebel, himself an accomplished sportsman.

The Canada Games are the country's largest multisport event. This is the first time a summer edition has been held in Quebec. It is an excellent opportunity to promote the expertise and assets of Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships domestically while ensuring their tourism outreach internationally.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada. The Government will provide up to $10.35 million through Sport Canada's Hosting Program to the Sherbrooke 2013 Canada Summer Games Host Society in support of the Games. Additionally, it will provide up to $6.5 million to the Canada Games Council for the travel of the provincial/territorial teams to the Games, except for the host province.

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The assistance from Canada Economic Development, granted in the form of a $700,000 non-repayable contribution, was awarded through the Quebec Economic Development Program. It was used notably for promotional activities outside Quebec.

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