The Government of Canada Supports the 2013 Canada Open Taekwondo Championships

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today participated in the opening ceremony of the 2013 Canada Open Taekwondo Championships, being held in Toronto from May 2 to 5, 2013.

"Our Government, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Taekwondo Canada to host the 2013 Canada Open Taekwondo Championships," said Minister of State Gosal. "I convey my best wishes to all the athletes in their pursuit of excellence."

The 2013 Canada Open Taekwondo Championships, an annual international event on the regular competition calendar, will attract 900 athletes from around the world, and it will bring many benefits for the development of Canadian high-performance athletes, coaches, and officials.

"The Canada Open has grown to a level of prestige in 2013 that has never before been achieved in the history of the organization, and this success would not have been possible without Minister Gosal and the Government of Canada's ongoing support of Taekwondo Canada," said Eva Havaris, CEO of Taekwondo Canada. "I wish to thank the Government of Canada on behalf of the entire Canadian Taekwondo community for making this event possible, and I look forward to joining with Minister Gosal in welcoming world-class taekwondo talent on a Canadian stage."

A contribution of $50,000 was provided to Taekwondo Canada through Sport Canada's Hosting Program to support the hosting of this event. The Government of Canada also committed approximately $511,000 in 2012-2013 to Taekwondo Canada through the Sport Support Program. As well, Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program provided $155,000 to support 14 Canadian taekwondo athletes with their living and training expenses.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage