Canadian Paralympic Committee and Sport Canada Announce Recipients of Recruitment Program Fund

OTTAWA, January 16, 2012 – The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2011-12 Recruitment Program Fund, supported by the Government of Canada's Sport Support Program and the CPC.

The Recruitment Program Fund delivers grants of up to $10,000 to sports organizations to support the creation of a new sports program or financially support the expansion of an existing successful program that provides a positive introductory sport experience for participants with a disability.

In all, 31 sports organizations across the country, representing 21 different sports programs among them, have received a total of $237,323. Funds may be used towards enhancing program options, such as facility rental space, coaching, volunteer training and more.

RECIPIENTS:

The complete list of 2011-12 Recruitment Programs Fund recipients appears at the end of this release and is downloadable here: www.paralympic.ca/images/Exel_list_RPF_recipients.xlsx

The next round of applications for the Recruitment Programs Fund will be accepted starting January 25, 2012. (Applications for the Para-Equipment Fund, which helps cover the cost of adapted sports equipment, will also open January 25, 2012.) Please visit www.paralympic.ca/funding for more information.

"On behalf of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, I'd like to congratulate all the recipients of the Recruitment Program Fund," said Henry Storgaard, CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. "We recognize that many grassroots sports programs rely on limited resources and volunteer contributions, both in terms of time and personal finances. Investing in introductory sports programming for people with a disability is essential for Canada to achieve its goal of becoming the world's top Paralympic nation, since you can't have a podium full of medalists without a playground full of kids."

"The Government of Canada is proud to support the Recruitment Programs Fund and to play a leading role in the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "Our Government is committed to promoting meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to become involved in and develop through sport, according to their interests, abilities, and talents."

About the Recruitment Program Fund (RPF)
Launched in 2010 (formerly called the First Contact Fund), the Recruitment Program Fund (RPF) is intended to support the creation of a new program, or go towards the expansion of an existing successful initiative providing a positive introductory parasport experience. Funds may be used towards enhancing program options, such as facility rental space, coaching, volunteer training and more.

About Sport Canada's Sport Support Program
The Sport Support Program provides National and Multi Sport Organizations with financial assistance they need to develop Canada's amateur sport system and to achieve world class athletic results. This financial support strengthens our national sport system and benefits our athletes and coaches. For more information, please visit www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267385942671.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Alison Korn
Manager, Media Relations
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: 613-569-4333 ext. 243
Cell: 613-298-4927
akorn@paralympic.ca

Laura Ferris
Coordinator, Recruitment Program Support
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Tel: (613) 569-4333 x233
lferris@paralympic.ca

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