Tammy Cunnington took part in the Rio 2016 Paralympics and in the Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games, where she won a silver medal and two bronze medals.

"I train and compete because I love my sport," the swimmer stated, adding she was proud to represent her country on the world stage.

"However, it is undeniable that this increased funding will help me spend more time doing what I love.

"Thank you to the Government of Canada for understanding the value of investing in its athletes and the value of sport."

Canada's Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, Kent Hehr, announced extra annual funding of CAD$5 million (£3 million/$4 million/€3.4 million), for a total of CAD$33 million (£20 million/$26.3 million/€22.4 million), an increase of 18 per cent.

AAP funding has aided elite Canadian athletes with training and education for the last 40 years.

Recipients are referred to as carded athletes and 15 per cent of them have a physical disability.

There are also development cards, which are intended to support the developmental needs of younger athletes who clearly demonstrate the potential to achieve the senior card international criteria but are not yet able to meet the senior card criteria.

About 1,900 athletes will benefit, while Sports Canada will issue increases for all living and training allowance payments eligible for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.