Harper Government Supports the National Squash Academy

Harper Government Supports the National Squash Academy

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to the National Squash Academy in support of its Centre of Excellence. Minister of State Gosal also took part in a friendly squash game with Jonathon Power, a Canadian legend in the sport of squash.

"I am pleased to announce our Government's contribution to Squash Canada's National Squash Academy for the development of its Centre of Excellence," said Minister of State Gosal. "This is an exciting moment for the Canadian sport community, as this will be the first and only centre of squash excellence in North America. Our Government's contribution to this important facility once again highlights our commitment to supporting our Canadian athletes.

"We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the federal government for the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence at the National Squash Academy in Toronto," said Danny Da Costa, Executive Director of Squash Canada. "With this funding support, we will take another step towards delivering high-performance excellence as we strive to become a leading squash nation in the world."

The funding announced today will support the activities of the National Squash Academy's Centre of Excellence, the first and only centre of its kind in North America. The Centre will provide all of the necessary elements of long-term athlete development, including top coaching, dedicated court time, world-class fitness and training facilities, and therapy and rehab services.

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 $120,710 was provided to Squash Canada's National Squash Academy through Sport Canada's Sport Support Program. The Government of Canada also committed an additional $400,000 to Squash Canada through the Sport Support Program for a total of $520,710 in 2011-2012.

For further information:
(media only), please contact:

Jenny Van Alstyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
jenny.vanalstyne@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca