Canada’s amateur sports system will receive US$51.7 million in aid to combat and reduce the negative financial impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic crisis. The announcement was made by the country’s Minister of Heritage, Steven Guilbeault, last Friday (8).

Emergency support for sport is part of a project aimed at helping several sectors in Canada, including culture and the arts. Guilbeault commented to the press on the actions aimed at emerging from the crisis in a press release.

“We recognize that the Canadian culture, heritage and sport sectors, in all their diversity, strengthen the development of our communities and our national identity,” said Guilbeault.

“They also contribute significantly to the Canadian economy. I want to thank the artists and athletes who have dedicated time and energy to “bringing together” Canadians in meaningful ways during these uncertain and unprecedented times. »

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) expressed their gratitude for the country’s investment in sport.

“National sports organizations face significant obstacles, including limited cash flow, layoffs and uncertainty,” the entities said in a joint statement.

The funding was announced by the Canadian government after several sporting events were canceled in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“With this financial package, the COC and CPC will strongly support the country’s sporting organizations and the community as a whole. We will remain committed to playing our role in recovery and recovery, in concert with our Government of Canada partners,” the memo said. .

Photo: Reproduction/COC