2009 Canada Games Announces $3.3 M Surplus and Legacy Funding for Emerging Athletes

SIRC

While unveiling artwork in Summerside and Charlottetown today to celebrate the efforts of volunteers, sponsors, staff, and funding partners, the 2009 Canada Games Host Society announced a $3.3 million dollar surplus from the Games that will help fund emerging athletes on Prince Edward Island.

“The Host Society is excited to declare the 2009 Canada Games a success, and on so many levels,” said Joseph Spriet, President of the Host Society. “All along the Host Society indicated that the Games would not be in a deficit situation and through our Divisions respecting their budgets and exceeding revenue targets in areas such as ticket and merchandise sales, we kept our promise. At the same time, we delivered an athlete-centered event that impacted Prince Edward Island and participants from across Canada in significant ways!”

Canada Games Council Chair, Tom Quinn, said, “After 22 editions of the Canada Games, communities from coast to coast to coast enjoy the economic, social and cultural benefits that impact the host region and province as well as the participants, volunteers and spectators who experience the Canada Games.” He added, “Our congratulations and thanks go to the 2009 Host Society staff, volunteers and partners for their hard work and dedication in the end, ensuring that the 2009 Canada Games will live on in so many wonderful ways.”

In addition to infrastructure, equipment and human legacies that have resulted from the 2009 event, the 2009 Canada Games Dreams & Champions Legacy Trust has been established to assist provincial sporting organizations help emerging, Island athletes develop, train, and compete at increasing levels. The trust will be managed by a committee made up by representatives from Sport PEI, the Province of PEI, and the Host Society.

“Our Government is proud to have contributed to the success of the 2009 Canada Games,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). “The coordinated efforts of the federal, provincial, and municipal governments—combined with the dedicated support of the corporate sector, local residents, and volunteers—enabled the 2009 Canada Games Host Society to generate a substantial surplus. This positive result, along with the lasting legacies of the Games, will no doubt benefit the Island’s future generations of athletes.”

The surplus was outlined in a ‘Final Report’ that was distributed to stakeholders at both Summerside and Charlottetown events. The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance also released its Economic Assessment, revealing that the total economic activity (Industry Output) generated by the event was $81.5 million throughout Prince Edward Island.
“Islanders will long benefit from the significant legacies that result from the success of hosting this important national event,” said Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Health and Wellness, and Minister responsible for Sport. “The success of the Games could not have happened without the efforts of our athletes, coaches, staff and volunteers. Their dedication has ensured a lasting legacy that includes better sport infrastructure, increased opportunities for athlete development, and the opportunity for Islanders to develop lifelong skills through volunteering."

Both identical art installations were conceived by the 2009 Canada Games Legacy Committee and created by Marcella Rosemburg, of Stratford, and feature glass tiles that reflect the topographical elements of P.E.I.

About the Canada Games
The Canada Games, held every two years, and alternating between winter and summer, is one of the largest multi-sport and cultural festivals in the world.

Prince Edward Island hosted the Games from August 15-29, 2009. The first week was centered in Summerside with events staged throughout the western half of the province and the second week was based in Charlottetown with events in the eastern part of the province.

Over 4,400 athletes, coaches and managers came to Prince Edward Island to compete in 18 sports. 5,500 volunteers were recruited to run the two-week event.

Team Ontario took home the Canada Games flag, for earning the most points amongst the other provinces and territories.

About the Glass Tile Art and Artist

The low relief glass art installations celebrate the contributions of Volunteers, Staff, Sponsors, and Funding Partners in the successful hosting of the 2009 Canada Games held across Prince Edward Island from August 15th to 29th.

Inspired by the magnitude of generosity from the entire province and the energy of the Games themselves, the concept developed by local architect Holly Hinds, illustrates a dynamic cross-section of our Island. The glass tiles, representing both the strength and fragility of our Island, begin in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence which land on the white sandy beaches of the North Shore. The tiles then transform into the patchwork of our lush agricultural landscape which fall off sharply as the red cliffs of the South Shore and end in the waters of the Northumberland Strait. As an analogy to the Games, this installation is a culmination of many small components creating a whole.

In the same way the 2009 Canada Games gave the athletes from every province and territory the possibility of expressing themselves through different sports, this installation provided the artist, Marcela Rosemberg, with a similar opportunity to express her feelings and love of the Island, through the beauty of her glass art. Since emigrating to Canada in 2003, Marcela has won numerous awards and recognitions for her glass designs and currently works from her studio gallery in Stratford, P.E.I.

Nicole Phillips
2009 Canada Games - Jeux du Canada 2009
902-626-7891
nphillips@islandtelecom.com