Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

RICHMOND, British Columbia, September 16, 2010 – On behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), Alice Wong, Member of Parliament (Richmond), today confirmed the Government of Canada’s contribution to the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association in support of the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, which run from September 17 to 26 in Richmond, British Columbia.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, which will once again showcase our Richmond Olympic Oval,” said Ms. Wong. “By bringing together the world’s best players from 12 countries, this event will provide participants and spectators alike with an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the highest level of competition. If you have not seen this sport, you are missing some of the best athletes in the world.”

“Our Canadian athletes are so proud to be showcasing their sport on home soil. They play fast, aggressive, hard-hitting wheelchair rugby and want nothing more than to be wearing gold and singing O Canada at the closing ceremonies,” said Catherine Cadieux, Executive Director of the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association.

Originally called “murderball” by its Canadian inventors, wheelchair rugby has evolved into one of the most exhilarating Paralympic sports.

The Government of Canada believes that participation in sport is part of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to a healthy society. Hosting international sport events gives Canada the opportunity to showcase our country to athletes and spectators from all over the world.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. A contribution of $250,000 was provided to the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program.

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For more information (media only), please contact:

Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
vanessa.schneider@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

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