Tour de Delta’s White Spot Delta Road Race will be getting $50,000 in funding from the federal government, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities Carla Qualtrough announced today.
The White Spot Delta Road Race is the final event in the Tour de Delta, “and an important marker in the International Cycling Union racing season,” said Qualtrough, who is a former Paralympian and current MP for Delta.
“I’m very much a strong believer in the power of sport to transform lives and build healthy communtites,” she continued.
“Sporting events of this calibre will have numerous economic, social and cultural benefits … and just as importantly, it will surely inspire young spectators to participate in sport and pursue their own dreams.”
This is not the first year Tour de Delta has received funding from the federal government. Part of B.C. Superweek, the Tour de Delta has received $150,000 from the federal government through Sport Canada over the last three years.
The $50,000 for 2017’s Tour de Delta came through Sport Canada’s hosting program, which provides funding for international sporting events.
“Delta is extremely fortunate to have strong support and partnerships for our community projects and events,” Mayor Lois Jackson said. “This federal grant will make a big difference in helping us provide true premium cycling events.”
At the funding announcement, Jackson also announced the Tour de Delta will be getting a new race this year: paracycling.
The paracycling event will take place in Ladner on Saturday, July 8 at 4 p.m.
The 17th annual Tour de Delta will take place in North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen from July 7 to 9.
The Tour kicks off in North Delta during the evening of July 7 with the MK Delta Criterium, a 1.2km loop around North Delta’s “social heart” on 84 Ave according to the website. A festival celebrating the start of the event will take place at Richardson Elementary from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 7.
The Ladner Criterium takes place on Saturday, July 8, and Tsawwassen’s White Spot Delta Road Race takes place on Sunday, July 9.