Orazietti congratulates local athletes

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti congratulates local athletes

McGuinty Government recognizes athletic achievement

SAULT STE. MARIE — David Orazietti, MPP and the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Health Promotion presented four local athletes with congratulatory certificates on behalf of the Ontario government today.

James David Livingston (mens hockey), Richard Douglas MacLennan (speed skating, long track) and Kasey William Van Scoy (biathlon) all participated in the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon as Team Ontario.

Colin Edwards (biathlon) was congratulated on being a recipient of the Ontario government’s Quest for Gold program.

"Our government is committed to supporting local athletes and we admire their dedication to excellence in athletic achievement," said Orazietti. "Athletic involvement is character building and when our athletes excel they become valuable role models for healthy, active living."

The 40th Anniversary Canada games were a resounding success.

For the eighth time in history and the first time in eight years, Team Ontario brought home the Canada Winter Games flag after amassing 310 points to win the top spot in the games.

In total, Ontario won 112 medals, including gold in men’s and women’s hockey and ringette.

The Quest for Gold program was launched in January 2006. 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.

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 Ontario government is committed to helping our athletes achieve their full potential," said Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson. "Their dedication, passion and enthusiasm inspire Ontarians to engage in physical activity and lead healthy lives."

The provincial government and the Ministry of Health Promotion are committed to establishing this province as a leader in sport development by supporting sport organizations, competitions and funding programs.

*************************