The 2017 Telus Cup slated for April 24-30 won’t be lacking any support from the BC government.
On Saturday, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond announced an additional $55,000 for the annual hockey tournament.
The new funding is on top of the $30,000 awarded earlier from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development’s Major Events Program.
Bond says the government has set up many avenues to better support events like these that come through the province. “One of the things that is a growing phenomenon in British Columbia is the whole issue surrounding sport tourism, so we’ve set up a fund to support both sports and cultural events that have a national significance right across the province.”
Many wondered if the additional money would have possible without Bond.
Bond responded to the question with a very resounding answer.
“I can tell you this, I think that this organization and community pretty much have a reputation of excellence when it comes to hosting, I admit I am big advocate of hockey and sport but I couldn’t be more proud of this team. The Cougars are having an exceptional year, we want them to be in the tournament because they won their way and I think this kind of investment is important.”
Co-chair John Morrison says the funds will go a long way in accomplishing the tournament’s financial goals. “It’s a very expensive tournament and with the help of the province they brought into us about 15% of our budget so its a large amount they are giving us right off the bat.”
All tournament games will played at CN Centre.
Ticket packages are on sale at the arena’s box office for just $79.
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