Moosehead Posted October 1, 2004 Share Posted October 1, 2004 is a good idea. Politely and briefly express to the PM the national importance of the U20 World Cup tournament and building a soccer specific stadium at Varsity. The U20 World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and the event will be fantastic for Canadian exposure, tourism and of course soccer. You can send your comments by e-mail to pm@pm.gc.ca or write or fax the Prime Minister’s office at: Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa K1A 0A2 Fax: 613-941-6900 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G Posted October 1, 2004 Share Posted October 1, 2004 Agreed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Here's the response I received: Dear Mr. Spence : On behalf of the Right Honourable Paul Martin, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail. You may be assured that the statements you offered have been carefully reviewed. Since the issue you have raised is of particular interest to the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of State (Sport), I have taken the liberty of forwarding your e-mail to him. I am certain that the Minister will also appreciate receiving your views. Thank you for writing to the Prime Minister. B. Funes Executive Correspondence Officer Agent de correspondance de la haute direction >>> 2004/10/04 04:26:29 PM >>> Mr. Prime Minister, The Men's Under 20 World Cup of soccer has been awarded to Canada by FIFA, on the condition that a suitable stadium is built in Toronto. A deal was reached by the Toronto Argonaughts, the Canadian Soccer Association and the University of Toronto to build a soccer/football stadium on the site of the old Varsity stadium, on Bloor St., in downtown Toronto. This was a fabulous idea, and location. Unfortunately, the University of Toronto has backed out of the deal, leaving the hope of a new stadium and the Men's Under 20 World Cup in jeapordy. The reason I am writing is that I feel this soccer tournment is terribly important for our nation. It is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and would be great exposure for our country and also, tourism would benefit greatly. I would like you to take a personal interest in this situation and lend a hand in saving this tournament from being moved to another country. Thank You, G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaydog2006 Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 The tournemant will still be played in canada in toronto thats still up in the air.Ottawa,Montreal,Vancouver,Edmonton will all host games.If the toronto group can get some private cash that would help them but don't expect the gov to hand over the cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosehead Posted October 5, 2004 Author Share Posted October 5, 2004 Here is my letter October 5, 2004 Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa K1A 0A2 Fax: 613-941-6900 Dear Prime Minister, Re: New Stadium for Toronto FIFA U20 World Cup of Soccer I understand that the government of Canada is prepared to grant 40 million dollars for a new stadium in Toronto primarily for the awarding of the FIFA U20 World Cup of Soccer to Canada. I am all for this as it is going to support the FIFA U20 World Cup of Soccer which is one of the largest tournaments in the world. The tournament will provide increased exposure to Canada, increased tourism and will undoubtedly help improve Canadian soccer. However, I am concerned that the stadium proposal will only benefit the CFL. If the stadium does not have a grass pitch it will not be suitable for soccer. Top soccer international games are played on grass and top international teams will not play friendlies on any other surface. Further, the Rugby community would require a grass pitch stadium as international Rugby is played on grass and not on artificial surfaces. Although some games are sanctioned for soccer on artificial turf, the reality is that the top teams of the world will not agree to play on the surface and with only one decent sized stadium with a grass surface in Canada we really do need at least 1 grass pitched stadium in Eastern Canada. So, I would ask that there be conditions attached to the 40 million loan from the Government of the Canada that the stadium pitch be grass so that it can truly accommodate the soccer and Rugby communities of Canada rather than just the CFL. This stadium could do wonders for Canada and in particular to the sport of soccer and Rugby in this country. I would greatly appreciate your personal attention to this matter. Yours truly, Moosehead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Well said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strobe_z Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 there's just something about well thought out, polite, and eloquently expressed correspondence to the office of the Right Honourable Prime Minister's Office signed "Moosehead". I mean... does it get more Canadian than that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.