The Canadian Paralympic Committee applauds Federal Government for its continued commitment to sport for people with a disability

OTTAWA, Feb. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) applauds the Harper Government for its 2014 Federal Budget, which continued the Government's record level of support for sport, in particular the CPC with $5 million.

In addition, confirmation of the Government's investment of up to $500 million in the 2015 Pan American and Parapan Games in Toronto, and the innovative new provision allowing athletes to use their trust money as earned income for RRSP purposes, are highlights to be applauded by the high performance sport community.

"With a renewed focus on high performance sport, the Canadian Paralympic Committee wants to recognize and celebrate the commitment by the Harper Government in Tuesday's Federal Budget for Paralympic sport in Canada," said Karen O'Neill, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "This budget clearly demonstrates the strong investment by the Government of Canada in the Canadian Paralympic Team's quest for gold medals at upcoming Paralympic and Parapan American Games."

Starting in 2015-16, high performance sport will receive ongoing support of $23 million for the Sport Support Program; $11 million for winter sports through Own the Podium, $6 million for team sports and $5 million for the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 25 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian high performance athletes with a disability and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC)