Government of Canada Supports 2011 CORK OCR and International Regatta

KINGSTON, ON, Aug. 17, 2011 /CNW/ – The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today confirmed the Government of Canada's contribution to the Canadian Yachting Association in support of the
2011 CORK OCR and International Regatta, being held from August 14 to 24.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support this international event in the historic city of Kingston," said Minister of State Gosal.
"The organizers and volunteers are giving our sailors the opportunity to compete against the best in the world, as they prepare for London 2012."

Since the 1976 Olympics, the CORK regattas have offered excellent training for sailors, coaches, and officials and have become a fixture on the international calendar. CORK has hosted championships for international classes out of the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour for the past 36 years. The event attracts 750 sailors from 9 countries.

"These events are important parts of the Canadian Yachting Association's plans—not only for sailors, but also for hosting and volunteer development," said Paddy Boyd, Executive Director of the Canadian Yachting Association. "The welcome support provided by the Government is crucial to these programs."

The Canadian Yachting Association is a registered amateur athletic association, with charitable status, and has been designated by the Government of Canada as a national sport organization, representing the sport of sailing. The Association represents all participants, including recreational sailors and high-performance athletes at the club, provincial, national, and international levels.

The Government of Canada is proud to support Canadian sport excellence through federal programs and policies that contribute to athletic achievement in world-class competition.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. A contribution of $50,000 was provided to the Canadian Yachting Association for the 2011 CORK OCR and International Regatta through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government of Canada also contributed $1,610,500 in 2011-12 to the Canadian Yachting Association through the Sport Support Program.