Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the Selection of Host Cities for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014

TORONTO, June 2, 2013 /CNW/ - As Minister of State for Sport, I am very excited for the four cities that will host the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014.

Our Government is the single largest contributor to sport in this country, and we are proud of Canada's reputation as a top sporting nation. We are pleased to be a key supporter in hosting this international soccer event.

This major tournament will play an important role in preparing our young women footballers for podium success on the international stage. It will provide them with valuable international competition experience here at home.

This event will allow us to showcase the richness of our cultural diversity and to bring sport, social, and economic benefits to Canadians, before, during, and after the tournament. It will also help set the stage for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015^™.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I applaud the Canadian Soccer Association for its efforts to bring the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup to Canada. I also congratulate the cities of Moncton, Montréal, Toronto, and Edmonton, which will be hosting this event and showcasing our great nation to the world.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage