June 10, 2010

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The provincial government, in co-operation with the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic, will provide financial support to 94 New Brunswick athletes under the New Brunswick Athlete Assistance Program. Hédard Albert, minister of wellness, culture and sport, and minister responsible for the Francophonie, made the announcement today.

"The program is a form of encouragement to help New Brunswick athletes participating in national and international competitions reach their full potential," Albert said. "We are pleased to provide this financial assistance, which will support our athletes' training and competition efforts in their respective disciplines."

Funding totalling $132,950 has been granted to the best amateur athletes in New Brunswick, an increase of 35.7 per cent compared to last year. They must compete in a sports discipline recognized in major competitions such as the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and world championships. The grants for individual athletes vary between $700 and $4,000.

"We understand that athletes from our province are facing several challenges,” said Albert. "Therefore, by providing more funding to these high performance athletes, we allow them to take part in more opportunities to perfect their sport."

Each grant application is evaluated by an evaluation committee made up of representatives of the provincial government and the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic.

The Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic is an organization that supports high-performance athletes and coaches in Atlantic Canada. It is committed to providing services essential to their pursuit of sports and personal excellence and is part of a national network of multi-sport centres that link high-performance athletes and coaches with sport-related services.

A list of RNB recipients of financial assistance follows

Ringuette:

• Josée Doiron, $750, Cap-Pelé