FRANCAIS

August 24, 2004

NINETTE, Manitoba – The Pelican Yacht Club on Pelican Lake in southwestern Manitoba will be upgraded to host the 2004 International Mobility Cup, as well as future sailing events in rural Manitoba for persons with physical disabilities.  Canada and Manitoba are each contributing $65,000 to the project under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement through Disabled Sail Manitoba.

“Sailing is an exciting sport that persons with disabilities can safely enjoy with proper facilities,” said Manitoba Finance Minister Greg Selinger.  “By using a modified sailboat, even those with little or no upper body mobility can discover or return to the world of sailing.”

“We want a Canada in which people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in Canada’s economic, social and recreational opportunities,” said Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport).  “With this renovated facility, the freedom and excitement of sailing will now be experienced by people of all ages, regardless of physical ability.  The Government of Canada is proud to support this project.”

From August 25 to 28, sailors from England, Japan, the United States and Canada will be participating in the 2004 International Mobility Cup, a regatta for sailors with disabilities.  

In preparation for this event, a ramp and walkway were constructed, the docks, hoyas and lifts were upgraded, the site was paved, and the retaining wall in the harbour was improved.  As well, a former training facility was refurbished with an elevator to provide on-site accommodations for physically disabled participants.  

Disabled Sail Manitoba has operated a community sailing program since 1998 out of the Fort Whyte Centre in Winnipeg.  Their mission is to provide Manitobans with disabilities the opportunity to access and enjoy sailing activities while promoting enhanced independence in the community.

This newly renovated facility provides an opportunity for Disabled Sail Manitoba to offer a wider variety of sailing events for a greater number of participants, with economic benefits extending to the region as a whole.

In December 2003, the governments of Canada and Manitoba entered into a new four-year Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).  The two strategic priorities of the agreement are “building our economy” and “sustainable communities.”

Together, and in partnership with community stakeholders, Canada and Manitoba are working to strengthen and diversify Manitoba’s economy, build on existing economic strengths, enhance the skills of Manitoba’s workforce and promote regional development.

Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 budget.

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