Canadian Sports Boost
Canada increases annual Athlete Assistance Program funding by $3 million, bolstering support for high-performance sports.
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Canada is boosting funding for its top athletes, with Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden announcing a $3-million annual increase to the Athlete Assistance Program. The program will now receive $43 million per year, according to National Post.
The increase follows feedback from more than 240 athletes, Financial Post reported. Van Koeverden said the government is making it easier for athletes "to train, compete and bring home the gold."
Monthly Carding Allowance Gets a 5.5 Percent Raise
The most direct change for athletes is a raise to their monthly living and training stipend. Known as "carding," this allowance will rise by 5.5 percent. A senior athlete will now receive $2,300 per month, up from the previous rate, according to Financial Post.
The new funding will also reach more athletes overall. Leader Post noted that support will expand to those competing in sports tied to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the French Alps 2030 Winter Games.
Para Athletes and Parents Get Targeted New Support
The funding increase is designed to help specific groups who face extra barriers. Para athletes will see greater support. Athletes who have children will also receive more help. Guides who assist athletes with visual impairments are included as well, Montreal Gazette reported.
These targeted changes reflect what athletes asked for during the consultation process. More than 240 athletes gave feedback that shaped the new program design, according to Financial Post.
$33.6 Million Flowing to Ovals, Halfpipes and Ski Centres
Beyond athlete stipends, the government is also investing in the facilities where athletes train. Up to $33.6 million will flow through the Build in Canada Strong Fund for key sport infrastructure, Stratford Beacon Herald reported.
Named projects include the Olympic Oval, the WinSport halfpipe, and the Nakiska National Ski Cross Training Centre. These are elite training sites used by high-performance Canadian athletes preparing for international competition.
Part of Canada's Broader $1-Billion Sport Investment
Today's announcement is one piece of a much larger commitment. The federal government has pledged $1 billion to improve access to sport across the country, according to Sault Star. That includes hosting world-class events, upgrading stadiums, and rebuilding community recreation facilities.
The goal is to strengthen Canada's entire sport system from the community level up to the Olympic podium. Fairview Post noted that the Athlete Assistance Program changes are meant to make it easier for athletes to focus fully on training and competition without financial stress.
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