Posted: March 24, 2006

Athletics: Prime Minister Harper and New Brunswick Premier announce backing for bid

(OTTAWA) – Athletics Canada is thrilled with today’s announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord confirming the support of the Federal Government, and the province of New Brunswick for the bid to host the 2008 IAAF World Junior Championships in Moncton, New Brunswick. Prime Minister Harper announced a commitment of $6 million in Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) funds and New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord committed $5 million from the province. The funds will be used to build a brand new state of the art stadium if the city of Moncton’s bid is successful to host the international event.

Jean-Guy Ouellette, Athletics Canada Chairman of the Board, indicated that hosting the event in Moncton would play a key role for years to come; “The 2008 IAAF World Junior Championships would be the largest international sporting event ever hosted in Atlantic Canada. With over 170 countries competing, the championships would not only leave a positive economic impact in Canada, the province of New Brunswick and the City of Moncton, but they would also establish a lasting legacy in the form of state of the art facilities and athletic knowledge, both playing a critical role in the development of athletes.”

Athletics Canada also recognizes the support of l’Université de Moncton, the Town of Sackville, Mount Allison University and Athletics New Brunswick who have all played key roles in this process. Athletics Canada wishes Moncton Mayor Lorne Mitton and his team good luck as they head to Osaka, Japan in order to present the bid to the International Association of Athletics Federation.

About Athletics Canada

Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for the sport of track and field including cross-country running and road running. Its purpose is the pursuit of leadership, development and competition that ensures world-level performance in athletics. The association believes in physical health and fitness, individual excellence and personal growth, individual development beyond sport, as well as inclusiveness and integrity. Track and field is a sport for people of all ages and abilities.

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