Press release
The 11th FINA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS:
A success symbolic of Montreal's spirit
Montreal, July 31, 2005 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal would like to commend the truly inspiring efforts and hard work of all those who so generously gave of their time and energy to ensure the success of the 11th FINA World Championships. With this indisputably well-earned feather in its cap, Montreal has demonstrated that it was fully deserving of the honour bestowed upon it when selected as the host city for the 2005 event by the swimming organization's leaders.
As spectators and fans, we were electrified and enchanted by the athletes' performances. A privilege that we owe to the enthusiasm and constant leadership of Mayor Tremblay, who won his and our - first championship victory in February of this year. His unflagging determination to have our city host this prestigious sporting event not only gave Quebecers and visitors a unique experience, creating an atmosphere not unlike that at the 1976 Olympic Games, but it also garnered Montreal world-wide acclaim and exposure, stated Ms. Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
The challenges faced over the last several months were significant, to say the least. It was only through the mobilization of all those involved from both the private and public sectors that the 11th FINA World Championships were able to see the light of day in our city. In this regard, we would like to congratulate the organizing committee, skilfully led by Co-Presidents Gérald Tremblay and Normand Legault and Executive Vice President and COO René Guimond. Committee members, through their hard work and tireless efforts, demonstrated our skill and ability at organizing world-class events to the international community. Moreover, we would be amiss if we failed to salute the dedication of volunteers and the commitment of government partners and partners from the business community who, through their support and financial assistance, were key factors in the event's resounding success, added Isabelle Hudon.
This major international sports competition brought thousands of athletes, journalists and visitors from all over the world to Montreal, and resulted in economic spin-offs, valued at over $60 million, for our tourism industry and the regional economy. The event also contributed to increasing Montreal 's exposure and cementing its reputation as a dynamic and hospitable city. More specifically, the FINA World Championships provided our athletes with a showcase for performing for their fans, and proved a commendable vehicle for infusing our youth with a taste for excellence and an appreciation of the rewards of striving to exceed, continued Isabelle Hudon.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its primary mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants and businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec 's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Julie Desjardins
Coordinator, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4008
julie.desjardins@ccmm.qc.ca