WINNIPEG -- Reigning Canadian curling champion Rachel Homan got two bits of good news on Thursday. The Ottawa skip advanced to Fridays semifinal at the Canadian Olympic curling trials, and then she learned the federal government had approved funding of more than $2.5 million for the Canadian Curling Association in 2013-14. "Its hard to make it as an amateur athlete because theres not much money involved and its not like the pros," said the 24-year-old. "A lot of times we have to take off work to try and fully train and commit to making it to the Olympics and trying to get Canada gold, so its nice to have that support in being able to try to get to your dreams and achieve that podium status." CCA chief executive officer Greg Stremlaw said the governments investment through Sport Canada is similar to the previous years funding. "It not only enables the Canadian Curling Association to grow the sport at the grassroots level, but helps our nation establish and maintain consistent podium results and the excellence that is synonymous with Canadian curling," Stremlaw said. "We sincerely appreciate all that the government of Canada does for sport." Stremlaw said the money is used for programs involving able-bodied athletes and those with a disability. Funds are allocated for coaching and salaries, national team programs and coaching and officials development. An Athlete Assistance program funded by the government gave $633,000 to 67 carded curlers in 2012-13 to help with their living and training expenses. The amount will be similar in 2013-14, Stremlaw said. Homan and her teammates are carded athletes. The winner of the trials earns a trip to next years Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Air Force 1 Replica . MLB.com reported that the Dodgers locked the left-hander in for one year at $10 million with up to $4 million in incentives. Air Force 1 Sale .Y. - DeMarre Carroll felt as though he couldnt miss in the second quarter as he outscored the Brooklyn Nets 14-13 all by himself. https://www.cheapairforce1outlet.com/. In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Michigans Nik Stauskas of Mississauga, Ontario. Air Force 1 Clearance . Louis against the Blues. The Canucks picked up their second straight victory in the swings opener on Tuesday in Calgary before getting routed in Minnesota last night, 5-1. Air Force 1 Online . Now the Minnesota Vikings have set their sights on soccer.Former Hoops striker Andy Walker says Brendan Rodgers appointment as Celtic manager is a huge boost for the club, its fans and for Scottish football. Walker, who played 108 games for Celtic, believes Rodgers appointment on a 12-month rolling contract also signals the club will be willing to spend money to strengthen its playing squad.Its a huge boost for the Celtic supporters and its a huge boost for Scottish football for Celtic to be able to attract a manager of his pedigree, someone who could get one of the top jobs in England, Walker said. Obviously hes going to get a bit of money to spend which will be welcome news to the Celtic supporters. Rodgers will be on a 12-month rolling contract Walker continued: Theyve certainly got a name. This is a guy who I remember covering a few games for Sky a number of seasons ago and the football he played at Swansea was absolutely terrific and of course enabled him to get that job at Liverpool.Former Swansea manager Rodgers led Liverpool to seventh spot in the Premier League in his first season in charge at Anfield and within two points of the title the following year, but left the club in October.Walker added: He could have had a whole host of job offers and for him to have chosen this one to take, I think its a sign of serious intent from Celtic. Rangers manager Mark Warburton has backed Rodgers to do well as the new Celtic boss Walker believes the appointment of Rodgers, with his reputation for playing an exciting brand of football, will on its own lead to a significant increase in the number of season tickets sold at Celtic Park.ddddddddddddhe Sky Sports pundit added: I dont think he would have taken the job without the prospect of spending a bit of money in the transfer market - clearly not anything like he was used to spending at Liverpool, Celtic just cant compete at that level.With the potential of a challenge from Rangers, the excitement that Aberdeen and Hearts have given Scottish football over the last couple of years - its that challenge that Celtic have to meet and I think theyve met it head on. Also See: Celtic appoint Rodgers Rodgers to-do list Lambert: Brendan fit for Celtic Get £10 free bet! ' ' '