Government of Canada Supports 2009 World Water Ski Championships

August 04, 2009

Ottawa – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, is pleased to announce that the Government of Canada will provide funding of $250,000 to the 2009 World Water Ski Championships through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.

"Our Government is proud to support the 2009 World Water Ski Championships at Lakes of Kastynstone," said Mr. Menzies. "Sport strengthens individuals by enabling them to develop skills such as leadership, discipline, and perseverance and this announcement is another example of how our Government is supporting sport participation and athlete development here at home."

The 2009 edition of the World Water Ski Championships, which have been held every two years since 1949, is taking place from August 3 to 9 at the Lakes of KastynStone, home of the Predator Bay Water Ski Club in Calgary.

The Government of Canada believes that participation in sport is part of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to a healthy society. Hosting international sport events gives Canada the opportunity to showcase our country to athletes and spectators from all over the world. Events like this also stimulate the tourism industry and have positive repercussions on the local economy.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium.