Piers MacDonald (l), President of Whitehorse 2007 jeux du Canada Winter Games Host Society accepts one million dollar cheque from Deryck Hockley, Chair, Yukon Lottery Commission and Anne Tayler, past-chair, Yukon Lottery Commission (Sept. 2004)

The Yukon Lottery Commission was the first corporate agency to commit as a major sponsor of the 2007 Canada Winter Games. In 1995 the Yukon Lottery Commission resolved to establish a special fund for contribution to the 2007 Canada Winter Games, should they be awarded to the Yukon.

Over one million dollars has been dedicated in this account, with one million committed to date for:

• costs associated with hosting of the Arctic Winter Games in 2000 ($90,250), which was the test event for hosting of the 2007 Games;
• costs associated with preparation of the bid package ($50,000);
• equipment upgrade for Gymnastics and Cross Country Ski facilities ($125,000);
• games related costs administered by the Host Society ($734,750).

$20 million in net revenues earned and allocated by the Yukon Lottery Commission over the past twenty years has directly and indirectly contributed to Yukon's preparedness for hosting of Canada's National Winter Games in 2007. Funding has contributed to capacity building for athletes, coaches, officials, infrastructure development, and overall community recreation volunteer development, providing Yukoners with the technical competence and skills necessary to host and compete in the diverse activities of the Canada Winter Games. The cultural component has equally benefited from lottery revenue allocation, providing both individuals and performing artists with tools to showcase Yukon to the Nation.

The commission continues to dedicate funds raised through the sale of breakopen tickets into the special account for costs that will be incurred in hosting of the games in 2007. All revenue earned through the sale of breakopen tickets is dedicated to the special 2007 account.