Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

RICHMOND, BC, July 10, 2012 /CNW/ – On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament (Richmond), today announced the Government of Canada’s contribution to Badminton Canada in support of the 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix. The event is being held from July 10 to 15, 2012, in Richmond, British Columbia.

“The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Badminton Canada for the 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix,” said Minister of State Gosal. “This event offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best in the world, while bringing about a welcome economic boost to the local community.”

“I am pleased to welcome all the athletes and coaches from across Canada and around the world competing here in Richmond,” said Minister of State Wong. “The 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix is a world-class event, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the event’s organizers and volunteers from our local community.”

“The 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix has increased the profile of badminton in Canada and brought some of the best players in the world to Canada to compete,” said Kyle Hunter, Executive Director of Badminton Canada. “Having an event of this calibre in Canada gives our athletes the opportunity to hone their competitive skills and our fans the chance to see badminton of the highest level. The support of the Government of Canada through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program has been crucial to the success of the event.”

Badminton Canada is the national sport governing body dedicated to developing and promoting badminton for all Canadians. It is responsible for developing elite athletes, coaches, and officials and assists with grassroots development activities for badminton.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. Funding of $15,000 for the 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix has been provided through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program. In 2011-2012, Badminton Canada received approximately $245,000 from the Sport Support Program, and almost $87,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to support 11 athletes with living and training expenses.

For further information:

For more information (media only), please contact:
Jenny Van Alstyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
jenny.vanalstyne@pch.gc.ca

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

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