FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 11, 2014                          

Coalition applauds dedicated funding for team sports

$6 million commitment for team sports “a winning investment” in Canadian athletes, says Canadian Team Sports Coalition

OTTAWA, ON – Amidst the excitement of the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Canadian Team Sports Coalition applauds the Government of Canada’s federal budget announcement of $6 million in on-going dedicated funding for team sports.

“Dedicated team sports funding is a winning investment in Canadian athletes and high performance sport,” said Hugh Mitchener, Chair of the Team Sports Coalition, and CEO of Softball Canada.  “Team sports are the foundation from which many of our elite athletes emerge, including many Canadian Olympians and Paralympians who are competing for and winning medals in Sochi.”

“We must always strive for excellence in sport and, in doing so, harness the power of sport to unite us and inspire the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians. Team sports are popular, accessible and have a high level of participation – and that translates into impact. That’s what makes this dedicated team sports funding a smart investment,” added Mr. Mitchener.

The original 2010 commitment of $6 million annually to support team sport high performance programs is an absolute success story, according to the Team Sports Coalition’s nineteen member organizations that joined forces in 2009 to collaborate on common issues and opportunities.

“This funding has really helped our national programs accelerate their development,” said Wayne Parrish, Chief Executive Officer of Canada Basketball. “Our women’s team in particular is building serious momentum thanks to this targeted funding from the Government of Canada, which helped propel them to a quarterfinal finish at the London Olympics. With a top 10 world ranking going into the 2014 FIBA World Championship, our women are becoming serious contenders.”

About the Canadian Team Sports Coalition:

The Canadian Team Sports Coalition seeks to bring voice to the issues and concerns impacting the more than 24 million adult Canadians involved in team sport. In addition to communicating the unique benefits of team sports, the Coalition collaborates on common issues and opportunities including sponsorship, public policy, sport tourism, multi-sport event hosting, athlete services and funding.

For further information on the Canadian Team Sports Coalition visit canadateamsports.ca

Contact:

Robin MacLachlan, Summa Strategies Canada

rmaclachlan@summa.ca or 613-294-6128