Support for the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - June 19, 2015) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is providing up to $10.35 million over three years to the 2017 Canada Games Host Society for the largest national multidisciplinary sport event in the country.

From this amount, $3 million will be dedicated to sport infrastructure projects for the Games. This will include a new training facility for the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, one of the main legacies of the 2017 Canada Games.

The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, made this announcement today, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new centre.

Quick Facts

• This investment, totalling up to $10.35 million, will be allocated over three years: $3.47 million in 2015-16, $3.24 million in 2016-17 and $3.64 million in 2017-18.
• The 124,000-square-foot training centre will have multifunctional rooms, three of which will be convertible spaces; physical fitness rooms; spaces for aerobic workouts, plyometrics and physical tests; and an indoor training track.
• The Canada Games-the ultimate competition between provinces and territories-are held at two-year intervals, alternating between winter and summer games. They contribute to the development of the next generation of Canada's national, international, Olympic and Paralympic champions. Winnipeg will host the 2017 Canada Summer Games. The 2017 Games are significant as they mark the 50^th anniversary of the Games.
• 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 its 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.
• In addition, starting in 2016-17, the Government will be investing 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

"Through this investment, the best young Canadian athletes will be able to shine during the 50^th anniversary of the Canada Games in 2017, when the country will be celebrating Canada's 150^th. The Games are truly inspirational for our youth and are a stepping stone for tomorrow's sport champions. We are proud to support them in their quest for excellence."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"As we celebrate the Year of Sport, I am proud to witness the groundbreaking of new sport infrastructure in Winnipeg. This centre is sure to be beneficial for thousands of young athletes in 2017, but also for the entire population of Winnipeg and Manitoba in the years to come. This legacy will foster an active lifestyle by encouraging participation in sport and physical activity."

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

"We're pleased to see the federal government's continuing support for the Canada Games and commitment to funding sport and athlete development. Facilities like the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre will enable us to deliver an exceptional athlete experience at the 2017 Canada Games, while leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit athletes and the broader community for years to come."

-Jeff Hnatiuk, President and CEO of the 2017 Canada Games Host Society

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