In preparation for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, it was announced Tuesday morning that the Harper Government will be giving additional funding for a variety of summer sports.

Equestrians will be included in the athletes who recieve additional government funding leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games // Photo by Danielle Perry

Having already provided over $33 million in the last year through Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program, the federal government will be contributing an extra $2.2 million on top of that.

"The Canadian Olympic Committee welcomes the Harper Government's funding towards a number of targeted high-performance sports in Canada," said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee in a press release.

"In the final stretch towards London 2012, this financial boost is very timely. The funds announced today are part of ensuring that Canada's outstanding athletes are ready to compete at their best in the Olympic environment," the press release said.

The money will be divided between athletics, boccia, canoe/kayak, cycling, diving, equestrian, goalball, soccer, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wrestling.

“This additional support is another critical step forward taken by the Canadian Government to help deliver the resources athletes need to climb the podium at the upcoming 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London,” said Anne Merklinger, chief executive officer of Own the Podium in a press release.

Own the Podium, a Canadian sport initiative, will direct the additional funding which will primarily support equipment, training, coach salaries, sport science and medicine services for Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

“The Government of Canada continues to lead the way in creating a new culture for winning, which all Canadian athletes now fully support,” Merklinger said.

“Our Government is proud to support Canadian athletes and to enhance the Canadian sport system,” said Minister of State for Sport Bal Gosal, who made the announcement.

 “Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes are a source of inspiration and great pride. The accomplishments of the Canadian team may inspire young people across the country to participate in sport.”

"As you prepare for London, know that we are behind you all the way," Gosal said to the audience of athletes who recieved the news Tuesday morning, reported CTV.ca. 

 

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