The Canadian Paralympic Committee applauds the Government of Canada for its ongoing support towards sport for Canadians with a disability

OTTAWA, March 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) applauds the Harper Government for its continued investment in providing opportunities for active living for Canadians with a disability.

"We are very grateful for the Canadian Government's ongoing commitment towards the Paralympic movement in Canada," said David Legg, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"This budget clearly demonstrates a strong willingness by the Federal Government to renew its funding towards the CPC's efforts in developing a stronger parasport system across Canada, while ensuring that our Paralympians receive the necessary support and have access to an optimal environment to excel on the world stage."

The recent London 2012 Paralympic Summer Games proved that the world of Paralympic sport is changing rapidly and Canada needs to follow suit in order to keep its place as a leading nation.

"For Canada to have a podium full of medallists, we have to have a playground full of kids playing parasport," said Legg. "Building podium potential athletes is a long-term commitment, and more than ever, we need to continue to grow our support toward our next generation of Paralympic heroes."

As such, the CPC will continue to work in the critical areas of athlete recruitment, development and retention, as well as supporting coaches through education.

"By investing in parasport, we are also investing in our communities, in health, in fitness, in diversity, in accessibility and inclusion," noted Legg.

The Paralympic movement has seen a substantial growth in Canada in recent years. The CPC is committed to building on this momentum as its athletes get set to inspire Canadians once again through world-leading performances in Sochi 2014 and at home in Toronto 2015.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee¹s vision is to be the world¹s 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 Paralympic athletes 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)