By Tom Degun

Canada para_cyclistsDecember 22 - The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) Para-cycling programme has received a major funding boost ahead of London 2012 after receiving a donation from the Mark Lowry Memorial Sport Excellence Fund.


The Mark Lowry Memorial Sport Excellence Fund was established by his family as a tribute to Mark Lowry, the Canadian Olympic Committee's (COC) Executive Director of Sport, who passed away in October 2005.

The goal is to continue Lowry's dedication to the Canadian sport by providing donations towards the development of key high-performance initiatives, and Lowry's widow Jennifer said the funding for the Canadian Para-cycling programme is something her late husband would have liked to see.

"This exciting proposal is definitely something that Mark would be proud to be a part of and we look forward to hearing how everything is progressing," she said.

The funds will be used by the CCA to purchase specific indoor training simulation equipment that will be used in the Para-cycling Training Centres in Quebec and Calgary by the country's top Para-cyclists.

These simulators will provide athletes and coaches with the necessary tools to monitor and sustain training over the off season when outdoor riding is not possible.

"We are able to provide more support to the Para-cycling program through this significant donation," said Jacques Landry, High Performance Director for the CCA.

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