Government of Canada

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - July 25, 2008) - Rahim Jaffer, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Strathcona, today wished the participants a warm welcome during the opening ceremony of the Championship, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport).

The Government of Canada is a proud supporter of Baseball Canada and is contributing $116,000 to the 2008 IBAF World Junior AAA Championship in Edmonton through Sport Canada's Hosting Program.

"The Government of Canada is proud to support the 2008 IBAF World Junior AAA Championship in Edmonton," said Secretary of State Guergis. "We recognize that hosting international sport events can produce direct and significant benefits and opportunities to invest in lasting legacies of infrastructure, community, and sport development."

"The Government of Canada is pleased to contribute to the success of this event," said Mr. Jaffer. "By bringing together some of the world's finest junior baseball players, the Championship will provide players and spectators with an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the great sport of baseball."

The 2008 IBAF World Junior AAA Championship, a 12-country, 46-game baseball championship, takes place at Telus Field and John Fry Park, with some games being played in nearby St. Albert, Alberta.

The Government of Canada believes that participation in sport is part of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to a healthy society. Sport strengthens individuals, and it also strengthens our communities by bringing people of all backgrounds and all ages together.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to the podium. In 2008-2009, the federal investment in the Canadian sport system will reach an all-time high of $166 million annually. This includes the announcement in Budget 2008 of $24 million over the next two years and $24 million per year ongoing to support the Road to Excellence program. This funding will enhance the Government's excellence programming for summer athletes, increasing the number of coaches, training camps, and opportunities for our athletes to compete internationally.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Media Room