ON SPORTS FUNDING

MPP Anand’s thirty-second Members’ Statement was on the topic of “sports funding”, delivered on 24 September 2020.

See full transcript below:

“As Canadians, we love sports, and our love turns into a passion when our athletes win medals. When I think of the value of a medal, I truly believe that we can’t put a price tag on the medals, because the prestige that comes with it is priceless.

Sports are a big connector. Every time our athletes win a medal, it brings the whole country together, celebrating the success of our athletes as their victory and success.

Supporting athletes from playground to podium is an important part of making Ontario the best place to train and play sports. That is why, through the Quest for Gold program, the government of Ontario is providing $6.36 million in direct financial assistance to 1,438 high-performance athletes to ensure they can pursue their dreams of excellence at home in Ontario.

I would like to say thank you to the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod, for supporting our champions. Quest for Gold funding benefited 83% of Olympic and 95% of Paralympic athletes from Ontario who participated in the 2018 games.

I want to give a special shout-out to the four recipients from Mississauga–Malton: Radane Wright, Navreet Suhan, Mary Adarkwa and Kyle Duke-Simpson. I’m proud of you. Congratulations on being a Quest for Gold athlete.

Due to COVID-19, this year has been challenging. I wish the best of success to all recipients of Quest for Gold this year. I hope this funding allows you to reach the stars and the medals. You want to push yourself to be the best you can. We look forward to your success, as your success is our victory.”