Town of Lac-Megantic to host first Xtreme Triathlon in Canada

LAC-MÉGANTIC, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Nov. 21, 2016) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada supports the economic and commercial recovery of the town of Lac-Mégantic in the aftermath of the rail accident that occurred on July 6, 2013, and has made it a priority to be there for businesses and the community for the short, medium and long term.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced that the town of Lac-Mégantic obtained $310,465 in financial assistance to organize the first CANADAMAN/CANADAWOMAN Xtreme Triathlon, which will be held in Lac-Mégantic on July 9, 2017.

CANADAMAN/CANADAWOMAN is the only extreme triathlon in North America. It is part of a series of four competitions: NORSEMAN (Norway), SWISSMAN (Switzerland) and CELTMAN! (Scotland). The Lac-Mégantic event is a point-to-point race that includes a 3.8 kilometre swim in Lake Mégantic, a very hilly 180 kilometre bike ride along Summit Drive and a marathon that ends at the summit of Mont Mégantic. The participants are usually athletes who have taken part in many IRONMAN events and want a more intense challenge.

The financial assistance was granted in the form of a non-repayable contribution under the Support for SMEs and Organizations component of the Economic Recovery Initiative for Lac-Mégantic (ERILM), administered by CED. More specifically, it will help cover the costs of commercialization and international marketing for the event.

The ERILM consists of a $35 million budget and is divided into three components: City Reconstruction Projects, Support for SMEs and Organizations, and Investment Funds. This last component is administered by the Mégantic region Société d'aide au développement de la collectivité (SADC).

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to support the town of Lac-Mégantic for an international sports championship such as CANADAMAN/CANADAWOMAN, which will generate major economic benefits and media spinoff for the region. By providing financial assistance, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting the town of Lac-Mégantic's rebuilding and economic recovery efforts."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The town of Lac-Mégantic is very proud to host this international sporting event. It is important for us to showcase the region to hundreds of national and international visitors and thus embrace our leadership role in the region. This event will help us take one more step towards the economic recovery of our region."

Jean-Guy Cloutier, Mayor of Lac-Mégantic

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Related links

For more information on the Economic Recovery Initiative for Lac-Mégantic

Town of Lac-Mégantic website: www.ville.lac-megantic.qc.ca (in French only)

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