Edmonton, Alberta, May 1, 2009 – Rona Ambrose, Minister and Labour and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove welcomed the FISU Evaluation Committee to Edmonton in support of Edmonton’s bid to host Universiade 2015. This meeting showcased to the committee that Edmonton will offer an outstanding athletic, academic and cultural experience to visiting athletes, officials, volunteers and the public.

“Edmontonians and all Canadians share a strong passion for sports. Because for us, sports are not just pastimes, they are the embodiment of Canadian values,” said Minister Ambrose. “From the playground and hockey rink to the international podium, the values we learn from sports – teamwork, discipline and confidence – are values that are on display in communities across this country. And nowhere more-so than in Edmonton.”

The Government of Canada officially supports the University of Alberta’s bid to host Universiade 2015. This event will give Edmontonians the opportunity to showcase their city to the world – as embodied by the theme chosen by the bid committee: The World is Welcome. Edmonton has a valued legacy of welcoming the world in the past – as the host city of such prestigious international events as the World Masters Games, the World Athletics Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the 1983 Universiade etc. The 2015 Universiade would bring the world to Edmonton and give Canadians the experience of cheering on our national university athletes, sharing our cultures and traditions, and engaging in friendly competition.