Send-off For 329 Team Ontario Athletes And Coaches Features Uniform Unveiling
(Left to Right) Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson, curler Lynn Kreviazuk and figure skater Liza Kasselman show-off the new Team Ontario Canada Winter Games uniforms.
OTTAWA, Feb. 16 – Ontario’s amateur athletes inspire Ontarians to be physically active and participate in sport, Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson told Team Ontario athletes today at a send-off leading to the 2007 Winter Games in Whitehorse, February 23 to March 10. “Ontario is proud of our amateur athletes and of their dedication to achieving excellence,” said Watson, at the send-off celebration. “The McGuinty government recognizes the value of athletes as role models for healthy, active living and supports them in a number of ways.”
Since 2002-2003, the government has increased annual funding by over $15 million in programs designed to give direct support to amateur athletes across Ontario. Programs in 2006-07 included the $10 million Quest for Gold Program and close to $12 million for provincial and multi-sport organizations and programs that serve athletes.
“Through programs such as Quest for Gold, sport organization funding and others, Ontario’s amateur athletes are given a boost to excellence,” said Blair McIntosh, Chef de Mission for Team Ontario. “With only a week away from the country’s premier competition, I am confident that this team will be the strongest team ever.”
Approximately 329 Team Ontario athletes and coaches will participate in the Games with more than 3,200 other athletes from across Canada in 22 sports.
“It is a significant honour for my entire family to be representing the province of Ontario at Canada’s premiere sporting event,” said Graham Sinclair, coach of the Ontario curling team. “The Quest for Gold program has definitely made it easier to support a family of elite athletes.”
The Ministry of Health Promotion was established to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in Ontario. Key priority areas include Ontario’s smoke-free strategy, healthy eating, active living, sport and recreation, injury prevention and mental health promotion.
Possible Related Posts:
Popular Posts