Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University to Receive Upgrades

DOWNSVIEW, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 27, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada would commit at least $5 million to upgrade the Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University, an indoor facility used by Canadian high-performance track and field athletes. The facility is owned by York University and operated by the City of Toronto. Minister of State Gosal was joined by John Tory, Mayor of Toronto, and representatives of Athletics Canada.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada has committed a minimum of $5 million toward the cost of the High Performance Athletics Centre as part of the federal government's commitment of up to $500 million to the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games legacy.
  
  
• The High Performance Athletics Centre will house strength and conditioning space, recovery and regeneration space, change rooms, a therapy room and a lounge.
  
  
• The operation and programming of this facility is co-ordinated by a committee with members representing the City of Toronto, York University and the track and field community. It is home to the York Lions Track and Field Team and the York University Track Club. Opened in 1979, the facility is used by both professional and amateur athletes.
  
  
• During the Year of Sport in Canada, the Government of Canada is encouraging Canadians of all levels of ability to participate in sport according to their talents and interests. 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, it will be investing an additional $20 million in the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, to ensure they continue to have what they need to push for the podium today and in the future.
  
  

Quotes

"The Government of Canada's investment in upgrading the Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University is an important component of the legacy of the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games. Improvements to the Centre will allow Canadian track and field athletes to train year-long in a world-class facility and will help build Canada's future track and field stars. During this Year of Sport in Canada, we are doing everything possible to help our athletes compete and win now and in the future."

-The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

"World-class cities have world-class sport infrastructure, and the upgrades to the Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University will positively benefit a generation of Canadian athletes. This is a further example of the legacy the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games will have for Toronto. I would like to thank the Government of Canada for investing in sport and recreation in the City of Toronto, which will ultimately assist our athletes in reaching for the podium and becoming champions."

-His Worship John Tory, Mayor of the City of Toronto

"The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games will be the largest international multi-sport competition in Canada's history. This historic event would not be possible without the support of our partners. The commitment and support of the federal government and all of our partners has been outstanding. It has allowed for investments in infrastructure that will not only help to make these Games the best games ever, but leave a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations to come."

-Saad Rafi, CEO, TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee

"Today's announcement ensures our athletes have the opportunity to train in a world-class facility. With the Government of Canada's support, our athletes, coaches, and sport-science staff are ready to take on the world. Beginning at the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games and moving towards 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha and the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, we will make Canada proud."

-Rob Guy, CEO of Athletics Canada

"We applaud the Government of Canada's commitment to enhance the Toronto Track and Field Centre at York University. The long-time home of our York Lions Track and Field team and the York University Track Club, the Centre is used by professional and amateur athletes alike. With this funding, our world-class track and field community will have access to facilities that are equally world-class."

-Dr. Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Sport

Year of Sport

City of Toronto

Athletics Canada

York University

Toronto 2015

Children's Fitness Tax Credit

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