Canada’s New Government Committed to Increasing Number of Persons with Disabilities Participating in Sport
OTTAWA, ONTARIO- The Honourable Michael Chong, President of the Queen”s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, today announced the release of the Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability. Under this policy, the Government of Canada will provide $12.5 million in funding to increase the number of persons with disabilities participating in sport. Of this total, $11 million will be provided annually for initiatives that improve access to sport and $1.5 million annually will go toward increasing participation in sport for persons with disabilities.
“Canada”s new Government is committed to encouraging all Canadians, including persons with disabilities, to become more involved in sport,” said Minister Chong. “Sport and physical activity help maintain Canadians” health, strengthen our communities and contribute to our overall quality of life. It is important that all Canadians have access to sport in order to experience these positive benefits.”
The Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability was developed in consultation with representatives from Special Olympics Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, provincial and territorial governments, and national sport and multisport service organizations.
“This policy will provide a firmer foundation for the development of sport opportunities for Canadians with disabilities, which holds enormous benefit in terms of their health and social integration,” said Henry Wohler, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
“On behalf of the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, we are very pleased Sport Canada has created an exciting updated policy for athletes with disabilities,” said Luc Michaud, President of the Canadian Deaf Sports Association. “With this policy, deaf athletes across Canada will have the opportunity to compete and excel on the international playing field; Canada will be showcasing our best athletes in all capacities. We are pleased the federal government recognizes the need to foster the participation of sport in under-represented groups.”