Congratulations for participating in this valuable public debate on the future of sport in Canada. Sport Matters asks you and your colleagues to give consideration to the attached material that we have been developing over the last few months. While not revolutionary or even new in most cases, the recommendations are things that - we believe you will agree - are fundamental and timely to implement. Our efforts have been to focus the discussion and not �re-invent the wheel!�

Our group reflects the interests of approximately thirty organizations generally, and the direct hands-on efforts of a core group of sixteen organizations represented by volunteers and professionals alike. We, like you, are committed to advancing sport for all the benefits that it can afford its many participants. In fact, that is what brought us together during the 2000 federal election campaign. What this material, and more which we will be making public in the days ahead, represents are the rationale, directions and details behind why we feel these policy statements are so important for governments at all levels to pursue collectively. We hope you agree and will be prepared to articulate your specific agreements at the next opportunity.

As important as these policy recommendations are, it is the critical implementation step that is required to reap the benefits of good policy. Hopefully you will have thoughts in that regard and be able to tie implementation suggestions to sound policy.