More than 4,400 athletes and coaches expected to attend P.E.I. event Aug. 15-29

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By Yvon Gauvin
Times & Transcript staff

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CHARLOTTETOWN - The 2009 Canada Games, which are taking place next August in Charlottetown, got a major boost yesterday when the Atlantic Lottery Corporation announced $1.1 million in funding and support for the games, including support for Team Atlantic athletes.

Making the announcement at the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre were ALC president and CEO Michelle Carinci, Prince Edward Island 2009 Canada Games Host Society president Joseph Spriet and P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz.

"Atlantic Lottery has a tradition of supporting sport, community and families across the region," said Carinci. "It's a tradition we've upheld since 1976."

Ghiz praised ALC, saying the corporation "has played a major role in helping organizations and generously sponsoring festivals and events every year."

Spriet said the host organization is thankful to have a community-oriented, committed organization like ALC on board as a major sponsor.

"Time and time again, ALC and its employees have proven how they make a difference in Atlantic Canada, and we know that they will make an integral difference in ensuring the 2009 Canada Games is a tremendous success for Prince Edward Island and across the region."

The games will be held Aug. 15-29 across the island, with the Athletes' Village in Summerside during the first week of the event and in the capital of Charlottetown on the next week. More than 4,400 athletes and coaches are expected for the games with an estimated 1,775 participants coming from Atlantic Canada.

The athletes will compete in 18 different sports including the new disciplines of golf and the triathlon.

The corporation contributes to a number of community events and activities each year and has raised more than $5.5 billion since its creation to help fund government programs and services in the four Atlantic provinces.