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VANOC commends Federal Government commitment to Canadian athletes on the podium in 2010
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Vancouver - The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) today congratulated the Government of Canada for its recognition of the importance of the 2010 Games and its increased financial commitment to Canadian Olympic athletes in the 2005 federal budget.
"With today's announcement the Government of Canada has taken a leadership role ensuring Canadian success in 2010," said VANOC CEO John Furlong. "In addition to its existing commitment for necessary services, the Government has clearly recognized that coaching, equipment and support - which are part of the Own the Podium program - will be available to help our athletes achieve their dreams both in 2010 and beyond. "
Canada's Winter Games success plan is called Own the Podium - 2010. The program includes a plan to support and develop promising athletes in order to increase the number of potential medalists at the 2010 Games. The program's success depends on a new approach to sport delivery, including a $110 million total increase in funding for winter sports over the next five years. With today's funding announcement by the Government of Canada and anticipated commitments by 2010 Winter Games corporate sponsors, this funding goal will be met.
"The challenge has been set out by the Government to corporate Canada to step up to support our Canadian athletes and to join our team in not only organising great Games but also achieving great results for Canada," concluded Furlong.
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010.
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