Federal Government Invests In Sport

On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament (Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River), announced Canada’s support for the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games.

This announcement was made at the First Nations University of Canada during a signing ceremony for the multiparty agreement between the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of Regina, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), and the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games Host Society.

“Our Government is proud to invest in the Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games,” said Minister Gosal.

“We are committed to contributing to the health, wellness, and quality of life of Aboriginal Peoples through participation in sport.” “The Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games will have a tremendous impact on the development of our Aboriginal athletes, coaches, and leaders,” said Mr. Clarke. “This international sport event will bring direct and significant economic, sport and cultural benefits to Regina, the province of Saskatchewan and to Canada as a whole.”

The Games, which will take place in Regina from July 20 to 27, 2014, will involve more than 3,000 volunteers and over 5,000 junior athletes aged 13 to 19, who will compete in 15 sports.

The North American Indigenous Games are the largest sporting and cultural gathering of Indigenous people in North America.

The Government of Canada is the largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium.

The Government of Canada is providing the funding ($3.5 million) through Sport Canada Hosting Program.

The Province of Saskatchewan is also providing $3.5 million in support of the Games.
The City of Regina is investing $1 million, and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is providing $135,000.