Delta Gets $50,000 Hosting Grant

Once again this July BC Superweek comes to Delta kicking off the first leg of the 2016 BC Superweek hosted in various communities in the lower mainland.

As usual the event will be broadcast “live’ on Delta TV both Friday (North Delta) and Saturday (Ladner) for the residents of Delta to watch live or on the re-broadcast at a later date.

Sunday’s race will be webcast, but Delta TV will not be a part of this, but Sportswave Media Productions will be on hand to get first hand information to keep you posted.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, PC, QC, MP for Delta and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities announced at a news conference today the awarding of a $50,000 Hosting Grant from Sport Canada to the Tour de Delta, which includes the UCI 1.2 White Spot | Delta Road Race.

“This race, sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale, is a big deal for cycling—and a big deal for sport in Delta, in British Columbia and in Canada,” said Minister Qualtrough. “I know from personal experience how sport, through events such as this race, can help foster more active and inclusive communities.

Many thanks and best of luck to the athletes, coaches, officials and race organizers, and especially to the local volunteers, whose contributions will ensure a very successful event.”

“Contributions like this not only support a great community event, but also encourage athletes to pursue their dreams and inspire people to turn to sport as a key to a healthy lifestyle,” said Delta Mayor Lois E. Jackson.

The grant is an exceptional contribution to the overall growth of the UCI 1.2 White Spot | Delta Road Race, which was won in 2015 by Geneva, Illinois rider Eric Young (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies). Groton, Massachusetts native Shelley Olds (then with Alé-Cipollini, now with Cylance Pro Cycling) won the White Spot | Delta Road Race on the women’s side as part of a dominating performance at BC Superweek which saw her finish on the podium in eight straight races.

Tour de Delta Chair Cal Traversy feels the grant, along with community support, is imperative to the success of the event.

“I would like to thank all of our title sponsors and all of the Tour de Delta sponsors for their continued support all these years,” said Traversy. “I would especially like to thank Minister Carla Qualtrough and the Government of Canada for the Tour de Delta once again receiving the Sport Canada Hosting Grant.”

White Spot Restaurants is one of the sponsors which has supported the Tour de Delta so strongly for a number of years.

“At White Spot, we are so proud and fortunate to be part of this community event showcasing Delta to some of the best riders in the world,” said White Spot President and CEO Warren Erhart.

Cycling Canada President John Tolkamp says a grant like this has a huge impact in helping to grow the sport and inspire young athletes to start to ride.

“We are pleased to see Sport Canada once again support the Tour De Delta with this hosting grant,” explained Tolkamp. “This event, particularly the women’s race, supports our strategic goals for developing cycling in Canada. The additional support and resources the grant brings will ensure a successful event and helps provide Canadian cyclists with a high level event on home soil.”

Meanwhile, the international profile of the BC Superweek series and the Tour de Delta is growing more and more due to the support of the Government of Canada, Cycling Canada and valuable community partners.

“It’s wonderful to see the Government of Canada and Cycling Canada directly support the Tour de Delta. Already a great event in a fantastic community, the additional resources will help elevate the efforts of all involved,” said Jim Richards, Executive Director with Cycling BC. “Together, we are working to foster the sport of cycling in British Columbia and this funding gets us all a little closer to our goals.”

BC Superweek is Canada’s biggest professional cycling series and features more than $125,000 in prize money available during eight races over ten days.

BC Superweek runs from July 8 – 17 and is made up of the following dates

Tour de Delta (July 8, 9, 10)

Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 13)

Giro di Burnaby p/b Appia Development (July 14)

PoCo Grand Prix p/b Dominion Lending Centres (July 15)

Tour de White Rock p/b Steve Nash Fitness World (July 16, 17).

For more information, visit http://www.bcsuperweek.ca/.