Triathletes to Take on Challenge in Montreal Before Heading to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Aug. 5, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, is pleased to reaffirm the Government of Canada's support for the 2016 Montréal ITU Triathlon World Cup, ahead of the event's return to the city on Sunday, August 7, 2016, after a 15-year absence.

The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, has provided Triathlon Canada with $150,000 to support the hosting of the 2016 Montréal ITU Triathlon World Cup.

Among the list of world-class athletes competing in Montréal will be Victoria, BC's Kirsten Sweetland in her final competition before the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games as part of Team Canada.

Quick Facts

• In 2015-16, the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program, provided almost $160,000 in direct, monthly support to 15 triathletes to help them with their living, training and education expenses.
• In 2016-17, the federal government, through the Sport Support Program, provided more than $885,000 to Triathlon Canada to help grow the sport across Canada from the community level to the national team level.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to support the return of the Montréal ITU Triathlon World Cup to Montréal. It will provide great competition for our talented triathletes, benefit the local economy and inspire many spectators- especially our young people-to become more active. I want to thank Triathlon Canada, the local organizers and all the volunteers who have contributed their time and expertise to making this event such a huge success."

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

"Our country has a rich history in triathlon - from Simon Whitfield's gold medal in the first Olympic triathlon in Sydney 2000 to the tens of thousands of athletes who challenge themselves in local competitions across the country all summer. Montréal is a wonderful backdrop for this world-class event - I know Montrealers will be tremendous hosts."

- Stéphane Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament (Argenteuil-La Petite-Nation)

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Sport

Triathlon Canada

Triathlon International de Montréal and ITU World Cup

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