The Government of Canada supports Taekwondo Canada in the hosting of the Canada Open and Canada Para Open 2016, the first step for Canada's top taekwondo athletes on the road to the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games

/EINPresswire.com/ -- MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/13/16 -- Government of Canada

On behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, Marc Miller, Member of Parliament (Ville-Marie-Le Sud-Ouest-Ile des Soeurs), announced $70,000 in support from the Government of Canada, through Sport Canada's Hosting Program, to Taekwondo Canada.

The investment will support the hosting of the Canada Open and Canada Para Open Taekwondo Championships 2016 at the Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard in Montreal, from February 11 to February 14, 2016.

Quick Facts

--  The 5th Canada Open and Canada Para Open will attract more than 320
    athletes and para-athletes from 17 countries.
--  The 2016 Canada Open and Canada Para Open 2016 are among the most
    prestigious competitions approved by the World Taekwondo Federation
    (WTF) and will allow athletes to accumulate points towards their
    potential participation in the World Championships and/or the Rio 2016
    Olympic and Paralympic Games.
--  For fiscal year 2015-2016, the Government of Canada, through Sport
    Canada's Sport Support Program, contributed $539,500 to Taekwondo Canada
    to support the growth of their sport in Canada.
--  From January 1 to December 31, 2015, the Government of Canada, through
    Sport Canada's Athlete Support Program, also provided a total of $54,000
    in direct, monthly support to three Taekwondo Canada athletes to assist
    with their living, training and education expenses.

Quotes

"We are proud to support Taekwondo Canada and all of our Canadians athletes competing this weekend in Montreal. At the same time, we offer a warm welcome to the best World Taekwondo Federation competitors from around the world. These elite athletes are going to compete hard but also demonstrate the speed and integrity that their sport demands. Their example will inspire all Canadians, especially our young people, to get active and to chase their own podium dreams."

- The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"I am delighted to be able to announce the Government of Canada's funding support to the Canada Open and Canada Para Open Championships 2016 here in Montreal. Our support to this prestigious taekwondo competition will enhance the profile of Montreal, of the province of Quebec and of Canada abroad. And it will give our athletes and para-athletes the chance, once again, to compete with the best in the world, right here at home."

- Marc Miller, M.P. for Ville-Marie-Le Sud-Ouest-Ile des Soeurs

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Sport

Taekwondo Canada

2016 Canada Open and Canada Para Open Championships

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Contacts:
Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
819-934-1122

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca