McGuinty Government Commits $80,000 For 2007 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships in Kingston

KINGSTON – The Ontario government is committing $80,000 to help Kingston host the 2007 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Kingston, John Gerretsen, MPP Kingston and The Islands announced today on behalf of Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson.

“Hosting this top-notch sailing competition will contribute to Kingston’s local economy and showcase our region as a premier tourist destination,” said Gerretsen. “We welcome the world to this event to showcase all that we have to offer here in our great city.”

The province’s commitment would be used for operational expenditures to stage the championship.

“The McGuinty government is pleased to support communities working to attract international amateur sport events and all the benefits they bring to our province,” said Watson. “Hosting an event offers all Ontarians significant economic benefits, provides increased opportunities for athlete development and leaves a lasting legacy of sport infrastructure.”

The 2007 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship will be hosted out of Portsmouth Olympic Harbour (POH) in Kingston, Ontario, the venue for the 1976 Olympic Sailing Competition and the annual CORK Regatta, an ISAF Grade 1 event for the Laser and Laser Radial.

Approximately 94 different nations have participated in this event since 1971. All competitors are 18 years of age or younger. The 2006 competition was held in the United Kingdom, where 62 countries registered. Approximately 50 nations are expected for the 2007 event.

The province’s funding commitment was granted under the guidelines of the Ontario International Amateur Sport Hosting Policy, announced in April 2006. The policy identifies requirements and the process for municipalities and not-for-profit groups seeking provincial financial support to host international amateur sport events and guides the province in its decisions. The 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship, which was awarded to the City of Ottawa following an international competition, was the first event supported by the policy.

Ontario’s sport hosting policy is an element of ACTIVE2010: Ontario’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy and also supports the Ministry of Health Promotion’s efforts to increase the appeal of participating and volunteering in sports and recreation in Ontario.

The Ministry of Health Promotion was established in June 2005 to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellness in this province. Key priority areas include Ontario’s smoke-free strategy, healthy eating, active living, injury prevention and mental health promotion.

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For more information contact:
John Gerretsen, MPP
(613) 547-2385