With a $30,000 boost from the Government of British Columbia, Canada’s leading young luge athletes will surge down the track this weekend against top international competition at the Junior Luge World Cup in Whistler, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said today.

Organized by the Canadian Luge Association, the Junior Luge World Cup features the largest group of junior athletes from British Columbia ever to compete in an international luge event. They join a Canadian team that features rising young stars in the sport. Nearly 80 athletes will represent 11 countries in the youth and junior divisions at the competition.

This year the Government of British Columbia is investing over $50 million in sports, including support for athletic infrastructure, diverse sports events, sports participation and training for athletes and coaches.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

“Best wishes to all the great young Canadian athletes, including a record-high contingent from British Columbia, as they prepare to take on the best junior lugers in the world at this exciting international competition at Whistler. The Government of British Columbia is a proud supporter of the Junior Luge World Cup. Hosting sports events of this calibre in our province is good for everyone, including athletes, fans and host communities.”

Jordan Sturdy, MLA West Vancouver-Sea to Sky -

“It’s great to host and support another international sporting event in the Whistler area, especially one that is as exciting and spectator-friendly as luge. These young athletes represent the future of their sport and will become future medal winners at Olympics and World Championships. It’s a feather in our cap that this International Luge Federation competition is being held in our backyard.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Government of British Columbia has invested more than $1 billion in sport - more than any other government in B.C. history.
• British Columbia continues to benefit from the lasting legacy of the largest, most successful sporting event in the province’s history - the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
• Next February, Prince George will host the largest multi-sport event ever held in the British Columbia’s North - the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Showcasing northern B.C. communities, the Games will have an estimated economic impact of $70-$90 million.

Learn More:

See more about the Government of British Columbia’s role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Visit the Canadian Luge Association at: http://www.luge.ca/

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462