News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER ATTENDS OPENING CEREMONY OF CANADA WINTER GAMES

February 23, 2007
WHITEHORSE

Prime Minister Stephen Harper took part today in the Opening Ceremony of the 2007 Canada Winter Games, which is bringing together Canadian athletes, coaches, staff, and volunteers to the largest event ever held north of the 60th parallel.

"For the next two weeks, the eyes of sports lovers across Canada will be fixed on Whitehorse, as you, our country's finest young athletes give it your all," said the Prime Minister. "I, like Canadians across the country, am looking forward to watching you push the limits of athletic excellence."

The Canada Games began 40 years ago and continue to play a key role in developing the next generation of Canadian high-performance athletes by providing them with invaluable multi-sport competition experience.

Canada's New Government is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system. More than $140 million is provided annually for initiatives to support our high-performance athletes and to promote sport participation among Canadians.

Through Sport Canada, the Government of Canada has provided $37.15 million towards the 2007 Canada Winter Games. This contribution includes $20 million to construct the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse, a multi-purpose centre that will host ten events during the Games, including men's and women's hockey, ringette, short-track speed skating, table tennis, gymnastics, and synchronized swimming.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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