Miss-Delectable
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http://www.cbc.ca/story/sports/national/2006/06/28/disabled-athletes.html
Ottawa has pledged an extra $1.5 million in an effort to get more people with disabilities involved in sports.
The Canadian government already spends about $11 million annually on sport for the disabled. Most of that money is distributed to federations and elite athletes.
The bulk of new money announced Thursday will be spent on initiatives that promote participation at the community level.
The cash infusion was the highlight of Ottawa's new Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability. The policy was crafted after consultation with Special Olympics Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Canadian Deaf Sports Association.
Other aims of the new policy include:
A third-place finish at the 2010 Paralmpics in Vancouver. Canada finished sixth at the Torino Paralympics with 13 medals.
Increased awareness and access to sports.
Improved co-ordination among the various provincial departments governing disabled athletics.
Increased monitoring and research to ensure the needs of athletes are being met.
"Canada's new government is committed to encouraging all Canadians, including persons with disabilities, to become more involved in sport," Minister for Sport Michael Chong said in a statement issued Wednesday.
"Sport and physical activity help maintain Canadians' health, strengthen our communities and contribute to our overall quality of life. It is important that all Canadians have access to sport in order to experience these positive benefits."
Ottawa has pledged an extra $1.5 million in an effort to get more people with disabilities involved in sports.
The Canadian government already spends about $11 million annually on sport for the disabled. Most of that money is distributed to federations and elite athletes.
The bulk of new money announced Thursday will be spent on initiatives that promote participation at the community level.
The cash infusion was the highlight of Ottawa's new Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability. The policy was crafted after consultation with Special Olympics Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Canadian Deaf Sports Association.
Other aims of the new policy include:
A third-place finish at the 2010 Paralmpics in Vancouver. Canada finished sixth at the Torino Paralympics with 13 medals.
Increased awareness and access to sports.
Improved co-ordination among the various provincial departments governing disabled athletics.
Increased monitoring and research to ensure the needs of athletes are being met.
"Canada's new government is committed to encouraging all Canadians, including persons with disabilities, to become more involved in sport," Minister for Sport Michael Chong said in a statement issued Wednesday.
"Sport and physical activity help maintain Canadians' health, strengthen our communities and contribute to our overall quality of life. It is important that all Canadians have access to sport in order to experience these positive benefits."