SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 8, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Delta-Richmond East), on behalf of The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced $300,000 in funding to Softball Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to support the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) XV Women's World Softball Championship. The event will take place in Surrey from July 15 to 24, 2016.
Minister Findlay made this announcement prior to a match between Canada's Women's National Softball Team and Cuba at the 2015 Canadian Open Fastpitch Women's International Championship at Softball City in Surrey. This major tournament is taking place until July 13, 2015.
Quick Facts
- In 2014-15, Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program provided approximately $222,000 to support 21 Canadian high-performance women softball athletes with direct monthly support for living, training and special needs expenses to help them focus on their training.
- In 2015-16, the Government of Canada is providing $1.02 million to Softball Canada, through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program, for programs and services that have a direct impact on athlete development.
- In 2015-16, Sport Canada's Hosting Program contributed $150,000 to Softball Canada to support the hosting of the 2015 WBSC Men's World Championship in Saskatoon.
- The Government of Canada places great importance on high-performance athletes, as well as healthy and active Canadians. In Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government doubled the Children's Fitness Tax Credit to $1,000 to help offset the costs of parents enrolling their children in organized sports. At the same time, starting in 2016-17, the Government of Canada will be investing up to an additional $20 million into the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes to ensure they have what they need to push for the podium, now and in the future.
Quotes
"This is a very exciting time of the Year of Sport! With the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games underway, it's a great time to celebrate the best sporting nation in the world. I can't wait to see Canada's Women's National Softball Team perform at the Games. All these international events are wonderful opportunities to show how proud we are of our country's high-performance athletes. Surrey, let's show them how much we appreciate their pursuit of excellence and dedication. Go Canada!"
- The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)
"Hosting these international softball tournaments in Surrey provides this community and visitors alike with a great opportunity to witness our top female athletes as they compete against the world's best on home soil. It is particularly gratifying to see our Canadian women playing at the highest level of competition. These athletes are role models for our girls, inspiring them to push boundaries and work hard to make their dreams a reality."
- The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Delta-Richmond East)
"The support of the Government of Canada is a very important part of the funding model for this Women's World Championship. We appreciate their ongoing support of Softball Canada programming and of our international hosting strategy."
- Hugh Mitchener, Chief Executive Officer, Softball Canada
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Associated Links
WBSC XV Women's World Softball Championship
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Contact Information:
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