Canadian Government Lending Financial Support To Jonathon Power's National Squash Academy from SC Media TORONTO, March 21, 2012 –
The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), today announced
the Government of Canada’s contribution to the National Squash Academy
in support of its Centre of Excellence. Minister of State Gosal also
took part in a friendly squash game with Jonathon Power, a Canadian
legend in the sport of squash.
“I am pleased to be joined by Squash Canada and Canadian squash icon
Jonathon Power to announce our Government’s contribution to Squash
Canada’s National Squash Academy for the development of its Centre of
Excellence,” said Minister of State Gosal. “This is an exciting moment
for the Canadian sport community, as this will be the first and only
centre of squash excellence in North America. Our Government’s
contribution to this important facility once again highlights our
commitment to supporting our Canadian athletes.
“We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the federal government
for the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence at the
National Squash Academy in Toronto,” said Danny Da Costa, Executive
Director of Squash Canada. “With this funding support, we will take
another step towards delivering high-performance excellence as we
strive to become a leading squash nation in the world.”
The funding announced today will support the activities of the National
Squash Academy’s Centre of Excellence, the first and only centre of its
kind in North America. The Centre will provide all of the necessary
elements of long-term athlete development, including top coaching,
dedicated court time, world-class fitness and training facilities, and
therapy and rehab services.
The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in
Canada and supports participation and excellence from the playground to
the podium. A contribution of $120,710 was provided to Squash Canada’s
National Squash Academy through Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program.
The Government of Canada also committed an additional $400,000 to
Squash Canada through the Sport Support Program for a total of $520,710
in 2011–2012.