January 11/06 7:41 am - Ontario Lottery for Sports

Posted by Editor on 01/11/06
 

Ontario Government Supports Excellence In Sport with Launch of New Quest For Gold Lottery

Ontario's new Quest for Gold lottery will give eligible high-performance amateur athletes an estimated $2.5 million in direct financial assistance to help them achieve better results nationally and internationally, Health Promotion Jim Watson announced today.

"We are giving Ontarians the chance to help our high-performance athletes achieve their highest potential at national and international games," said Watson. "We are also pleased to work with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to find new and creative ways to support our amateur athletes."

The lottery, created by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, will immediately benefit approximately 1,300 high-performance amateur athletes.

"I think it's great that the Ontario government has recognized the impact that direct financial assistance has on athletes of all levels", states Adam van Koeverden, Olympic Kayak Champion. "This assistance will encourage more athletes to live and train in Ontario, give our coaches the opportunity to coach full time, and displays yet another commitment to the promotion of healthy active living in our great province, and all across Canada."

Athletes will be invited through their Provincial Sport Organizations to apply for program funds to help them cover living and training costs and post-secondary tuition support.

"I'm pleased to see this project investing in Ontarians - our greatest asset," said David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. "This is just one example of how the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation raises funds for many worthwhile causes throughout Ontario that directly benefit our communities."

For more information, athletes can contact their Provincial Sport Organization or the Sport and Recreation Branch of the Ministry of Health Promotion at 416-314-7187.