Backgrounder

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

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Canada Games

February 11, 2011
Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Canada Games are a national, multi-sport competition for young Canadian athletes, who represent their provinces and territories in 20 different sports, including sport events for athletes with a disability. The Games have become a stepping stone for many of Canada's celebrated athletes and Paralympic and Olympic champions, including: Hayley Wickenheiser, Steve Nash, and Sidney Crosby.

First held in Quebec City in the winter of 1967, the Games have taken place every two years in Canada, alternating between the Canada Winter Games and the Canada Summer Games. Since 1967, over 100,000 athletes and coaches have participated in the Games, which are now Canada's largest multi-sport competition for young athletes.

About 2,700 of Canada's best and brightest athletes will set their sights on Nova Scotia this year, as Halifax hosts the Canada Winter Games. The Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, February 11 at the Halifax Metro Centre and the Closing Ceremony will occur on Sunday, February 27th.

The Games will generate significant economic benefits, including business opportunities, new jobs, increased tourism and enhanced infrastructure and tax revenue.

The Games will also leave behind an extensive legacy for the sport community in the region, including the new $40 million Canada Games Centre, supported by our Government and its provincial and municipal partners. Approximately $15 million in additional capital upgrades will be made to the region's existing sporting facilities, which will benefit generations to come.

Supporting the Games is one of many initiatives the Harper Government is undertaking to help Canadians participate and excel in sport, and keep Canada a fit and leading sport country. In the past few years, it has: committed $500 million through Canada's Economic Action Plan to build and renew thousands of community recreation facilities across Canada; created the Children's Fitness Tax Credit; supported the hosting of national and international sporting events; and provided $62 million through our Own the Podium program to support Canada's elite athletes and encourage participation in amateur sport.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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