Kingston Welcomes Top Sailors From Canada and Around the World

KINGSTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 14, 2016) - Department of Canadian Heritage

On behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament (Kingston and the Islands) today announced $50,000 in Government of Canada funding to help Sail Canada host the 2016 CORK International and Olympic Classes Regatta. This is part of a series of international sailing regattas taking place in Kingston between August 11 and 24, including:

• the CORK International, Sail Canada Youth and Senior Board Championships and Race Board North Americans, from August 11 to 14;
• the 2016 CORK International - Sail Canada Youth Championships, presented by Volvo and the 29er North American Championship from August 14 to 18; and
• the 2016 CORK Olympic Classes Regatta - Sail Canada Senior Championship, presented by VOLVO and Finn Eastern Championship from August 19 to 24.

Quick Facts

• The 2016 CORK International and Olympic Classes Regatta takes place at Kingston's Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. The site hosted the sailing events at the Montréal 1976 Olympic Summer Games and, after more than 40 years, remains a valuable legacy of those Games.
• Sail Canada is the national governing body for the sport of sailing. The organization promotes sailing and power boating through collaboration with its partners, provincial sailing associations, member clubs, schools and many individual stakeholders.
• In 2015-16, the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program, provided more than $757,500 in direct, monthly support to 35 sailing athletes to help them with their living, training and supplementary expenses.
• During the 2016-17 fiscal year, Sport Canada's Sport Support Program will provide up to $887,000 to Sail Canada for programs and services that have a direct impact on athlete development.

Quotes

"While the sailing competitions at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are underway, these events give sailing fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of international competition right here in Canada. In fact, this regatta, held at a legacy facility of the Montréal 1976 Olympics Games, has a long history of preparing our sailors for Olympic competition. The Government of Canada is proud to support the hosting of events like this, which give our athletes opportunities to compete at home in Canada and prepare to win on the international stage."

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

"I am proud that the Government of Canada is supporting the hosting of these international regattas right here in Kingston because they will help our athletes and also draw sailing fans to Kingston and the Islands. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the athletes, officials, volunteers and fans taking part. Not only does this event provide a world-class competitive event for our athletes; it also benefits our local community and economy."

- Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament (Kingston and the Islands)

"Sail Canada is excited that CORK/Sail Kingston is hosting CORK International and Olympic Classes Regatta. In this Olympic year, the legacy of Portsmouth Olympic Harbour seems ever so fitting as a venue for this important event. In addition to the incredible experience for the athletes, these regattas will offer a range of opportunities for Sail Canada officials and volunteers. The support of the Government, through Sport Canada's hosting program, is vital to ensuring the success of these competitions, which will result in athlete development, training, coaching and financial benefits for the community. Sail Canada values its partnership with CORK/Sail Kingston, and we welcome the opportunity to host the sailors, officials and volunteers and trust that the events will be memorable for all involved."

- Todd Irving, President, Sail Canada

Associated Links

- Canada.ca/Sport

- Sail Canada

- CORK

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