Harper Government Supports L'International Gymnix 2013

MONTRÉAL, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Gymnastics Canada in support of L'International Gymnix 2013. The event is being held in Montréal from March 7 to 10, 2013.

"Our Government, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to support Gymnastics Canada for L'International Gymnix 2013," said Minister of State Gosal. "Hosting international sport events like this one offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against the best in the world, while also bringing a welcome boost to the local economy. I congratulate the Gymnix club and the organizers on their efforts, and I wish the best of luck to all the athletes."

"L'International Gymnix is a very prestigious international invitational and brings together some of the best gymnasts in the world," said Jean-Paul Caron, President, Chief Executive Officer, Gymnastics Canada Gymnastique. "The event represents an excellent opportunity to showcase Canadian gymnasts and to promote the sport of gymnastics in Canada. Several members of the Gymnastics Canada national teams will participate in the 2013 edition of L'International Gymnix, the biggest and most prominent international invitational in Canada."

L'International Gymnix was first organized in 1991 with the goal of providing Canadian gymnasts the opportunity to perform in front of their home crowd, while also gaining international experience.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. Funding of $50,000 in support of this event has been provided through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. Sport Canada's Sport Support Program has approved approximately $1.4 million in support to Gymnastics Canada in the 2012-2013 fiscal year. In 2011-2012, approximately $724,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to assist 61 gymnasts with training and living expenses.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage