OTTAWA – Sports Minister Carla Qualtrough announced Friday a group of 14 Canadian athletes who will form a ministerial athlete advisory committee.
Gymnast Ellie Black of Halifax, heading to her fourth Olympic Games in Paris this summer, and Canadian women’s soccer team defender Vanessa Gilles of Ottawa are among the athletes selected following an open call.
The committee’s goal is to provide athletes with a dedicated platform to share their views with the Canadian government.
The committee will provide guidance on issues such as safe sport, governance and accountability, Canadian sport policy and federal funding.
This year’s budget proposes to provide $35 million over five years starting in 2024-25 and $7 million on a rolling basis for the Athlete Assistance Program, which would increase funding for assisted athletes.
Additionally, $16 million will be allocated to the Sport Support Program over two years, beginning in 2024-25, to help create a safer environment for athletes.
“Athletes are at the heart of the Canadian sports system,” Qualtrough said in a statement. “Through the Ministerial Athlete Advisory Committee, we will work directly with athletes on sport policy and program development to ensure their perspectives are taken into account across the sport system.” I would like to thank everyone who applied and welcome the athletes who form this new advisory committee become. I look forward to working together to address the issues that matter most to Canadian athletes.”
LIST OF ATHLETES
Javier Acevedo (swimming); Rob Armstrong (para-ice hockey); Ellie Black (gymnastics artist); Paige Crozon (3×3 basketball); Erica Gavel (wheelchair basketball); Liam Gill (snowboarding); Vanessa Gilles (football); Sasha Gollish (athletics); Alison Levine (bocce ball); Ivy Liao (table tennis); Philippe Marquis (freestyle skiing); Jill Moffatt (rowing); Ness Murby (para-athletics); Neville Wright (Bob).
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2024.
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