Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomes Junior Athletes from around the Globe

July 19, 2010

World Junior Championships get underway in Moncton, New Brunswick

MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in the opening ceremonies of the 13th International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Junior Championships in Athletics in Moncton, New Brunswick.  He was joined by Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport).
 
“The 13th IAAF World Junior Championships represent a tremendous opportunity for Canadian athletes to shine, and for Canada to play host to the world once again,” Prime Minister Harper said.  “On behalf of all Canadians I thank the organizers and volunteers for bringing this world-class event to Moncton.”
 
More than 1,400 athletes and team officials from more than 170 countries will participate in various track and field events at the World Junior Championships, which take place July 19 to 25.  The biennial IAAF World Junior Championships are open to junior athletes, aged 19 and under in the competition year, and will include 44 medal events over six days.  This is the largest sporting event to be held in Atlantic Canada, and the second time Canada has hosted the games.  Approximately 50,000 spectators are expected to attend. 
 
Events for the games will be held in the newly built 10,000-seat Stade Moncton 2010 Stadium, a joint project supported by the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick, the City of Moncton, and the Université de Moncton.
 
“I encourage all visiting athletes, their families, team officials and supporters to visit the beautiful community of Moncton, and experience the splendour of New Brunswick,” the Prime Minister added. 
 
Prior to the opening ceremonies, the Prime Minister took part in an unveiling of the design for a cornerstone that will commemorate the world-class Stade Moncton 2010 Stadium. The cornerstone includes the wording, “a legacy for the development of Atlantic Canadian athletes.”