The Province has delivered its final payment of $10.12 million in direct funding for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, fulfilling its pledge to stand behind the host society, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

The Province provided start-up funding of $1 million for the Games effort in the fall of 2011. Today's final payment of $10.12 million to the host society completes the Province's total financial commitment to staging the Games at $11.12 million.

The 2015 Canada Winter Games will take place from Feb. 13 to March 1 and will feature our nation's next generation of elite athletes. Team BC will bring a dedicated collection of 350 athletes, coaches and mission staff to the Games and will strive to be the very best at this multi-sport competition. The Canada Games are an important avenue for our high-performance athletes, who may go on to represent Canada at the Olympic Games and other international competitions.

It is projected that the 2015 Canada Winter Games will inject an estimated $70 million to $90 million into the regional economy. Families in the region will benefit from other Games legacies such as improved infrastructure, a trained volunteer base, and sport-development programs and services. This will improve the long-term social and economic health of B.C.'s northern residents.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"The Province has tremendous confidence that the host society and the residents of the North will stage an outstanding Winter Games. That is why we didn't hesitate in providing timely support for this event that will boost the regional economy - creating valuable jobs for Northern families - bring Canada's leading young athletes to the North, and ignite in residents a passion for sport."

Stuart Ballantyne, CEO of the 2015 Canada Winter Games -

"As a result of today's fantastic news, we are able to continue to inspire and enhance the lives of our youth, while helping strengthen the pride and spirit of our city and region. We are proud to be partners with the Province of British Columbia as we share a passion for the development and promotion of healthy lifestyles for our youth. We value our strong relationship and will work together to write a Northern story in 2015 that all of Canada can embrace."

Quick Facts:

• More than 3,600 athletes and coaches from across Canada will participate in the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

• The Games will feature a variety of sports such as alpine and para-alpine skiing, badminton, curling, hockey, judo, snowboarding, squash, table tennis and wheelchair basketball.

• Team BC placed third at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax.

• The Canada Games are held every two years, and alternate between Summer and Winter Games.

• The next Canada Games event will be the Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec in 2013.

Learn More:

B.C.'s emerging elite athletes through Team BC: http://teambc.org/frontpage/

The Canada Games: http://www.canadagames.ca/content/Home.asp?langid=1

The 2015 Canada Winter Games: http://www.canadagames2015.ca/

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028 (cell)

Mike Davis
Director of Marketing and Communications
2015 Canada Winter Games
250 596-2015
250 640-0886 (cell)