A worldwide swimming competition happening in Windsor next year is getting $2.5-million from the provincial government.
Minister of Tourism Culture and Sport Michael Coteau was in town Monday supporting the city as it prepares to host the 2016 FINA World Swimming Championships.
Coteau says the investment will pay for itself many times over. "The investment into festivals and different events across the province of Ontario allows us to support our young athletes, but also help us to support our Canadian identity," he says.
Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens speaks about the importance of sports tourism, June 15, 2015. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens says Windsor is the smallest city to host the event and the first in Canada. "It really does put us on the map. It's a selling tool for people who work in economic development to talk about the kind of activity that happens here in the City of Windsor," says Dilkens.
He adds the region will see an economic impact of $16-million dollars when the more than 2,500 visitors arrive. Over 900 swimmers from 175 countries will also be here in December.
