NEWS: News Release
April 29, 2008
ONTARIO SUMMER GAMES EXPANDS
McGuinty Government Providing Amateur Athletes With High-Level Competitive Experience
NEWS
Lawn bowling and triathlon will be part of the Ontario Summer Games for the first time when the games launch this summer in Ottawa, August 13-16.
The addition of these sports is made possible by a $45,000 provincial grant, which will also be used to increase the number of athletes in track and field, volleyball, BMX cycling and water skiing. This year’s games will feature 21 sports and over 3,800 athletes.
The provincial funding is provided through Ontario’s $10-million Quest for Gold program.
QUOTES
“We are creating and enhancing opportunities for Ontario’s amateur athletes and increasing sport and recreation participation rates,” said Ontario Minister of Health Promotion, Margarett Best.
“The extra investment will go a long way towards making the 2008 Ontario Summer Games even better and more competitive than our 2006 Games,” said Larry O'Brien, Mayor of Ottawa. “The Ottawa community is very supportive which makes the Games a great experience for everyone involved.”
“The Ontario Summer Games is a key event for Ontario’s developing amateur athletes,” said Blair McIntosh, Director of Games for the Sport Alliance of Ontario. “High-level competition is the best way for these athletes to test their skills and to get to the next level, so that they are ready for national and international competition.”
QUICK FACTS
- The Quest for Gold program provides direct financial assistance for coaching, training and competition opportunities to Ontario athletes.
- The 2008 Games will be the 20th Ontario Summer Games and is the fourth hosted by Ottawa.
- About 3,842 amateur athletes are expected to compete and approximately 1,000 volunteers are expected to help run the 2008 Ontario Summer Games.
- Ontario’s Ministry of Health Promotion is providing a total of $681,500 to support the 2008 Ontario Summer Games.
LEARN MORE
The Quest for Gold Program provides support to Ontario’s amateur athletes.
The Ontario Games program is managed by the Sport Alliance of Ontario on behalf of the Ministry of Health Promotion.
Competition and event information about the 2008 Ontario Summer Games.
Rick Byun, Minister’s Office, 416-326-8497
Julie Rosenberg, Communications, 416-326-4833
