Lottery Corp. generates $10 million for amateur sport

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH PROMOTION

************************* McGuinty government triples support for amateur athletes with $10 million Quest For Gold program Quest For Gold funding helps athletes reach full potential

TORONTO, Feb. 1 - The McGuinty government is more than tripling its direct financial assistance to Ontario's amateur athletes with $10 million in funding through the Quest for Gold Program, Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson announced today. "The Ontario government is committed to helping our athletes achieve their full potential," said Watson. "Their dedication, passion and enthusiasm inspire Ontarians to engage in physical activity and lead healthy lives." This funding helps cover living, training and post-secondary tuition costs for amateur athletes.

Funding is awarded in two cycles, with 472 athletes receiving funding this January.

A second group of athletes will receive funding this spring.

Individual athlete support ranges from $3,500 to $7,000. "Quest for Gold allows me to focus my energy and concentration on training and improving my abilities," said Paul Rosen, sledge hockey goalie and Paralympic gold medalist. "The funding is a great relief and makes an important difference in how I can direct my attention to reaching for my ultimate performance level." The Quest for Gold Program was launched in January 2006.

During the period of January to March 2006, the lottery generated $2.9 million and provided $1.9 million in direct financial assistance to 892 athletes. This direct-to-athlete funding stream is in addition to two other funding streams that are part of the Quest for Gold Program geared towards high-performance athlete development, which together totals $10 million. The Ministry of Health Promotion was established to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in Ontario.

Key priority areas include Ontario's smoke-free strategy, healthy eating, active living, sport and recreation, injury prevention and mental health promotion.

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