Bullet News
The province will kick in $675,000 toward the canoe sprint world championships in Welland, St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley announced.
Bradley’s made the pledge on behalf of Tourism Minister Michael Chan. The event will take place at the Welland International Flatwater Centre from August 1-4 in 2013.
It is expected to draw some of the the fastest young paddlers in the world from 55 countries and will be a major stepping stone for many athletes preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. It’s expected to draw over 1,200 athletes.
On hand to celebrate the funding were members of the Canoe Niagara Committee as well as local dignitaries and Welland Mayor Barry Sharpe, who exclaimed “the world is coming to Welland.”
In his speech Bradley called the upcoming event a great legacy for Ontario athletes and coaches citing mentoring opportunities, development camps for junior athletes and a living lab classroom that will be run in partnership with Niagara Colleges Sport Management Program. He added that the hosting of such an international event will also contribute greatly to the local economy.
For more information visit www.canoeniagara.ca . Video highlights on Bullet TV.
