British Columbia was well represented on the international stage with five high-performance athletes competing at the International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France.

Organizations dedicated to public safety like volunteer fire departments, search and rescue societies and community policing groups are encouraged to apply for B.C. government community gaming grants by Aug. 31, 2013.

Organizations helping animals in distress from abuse, neglect or injury need to apply for B.C. government community gaming grants by Aug. 31, 2013.

B.C. communities are sharing $56.2 million to invest in policing and community safety, services and municipal-level projects that are deemed priorities.

Five local government employees from British Columbia communities earned certificates from the provincial Board of Examiners for their achievements in education and work experience.

The B.C. government is investing $300,000 over two years in artsVest.

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett says after three years of work on the part of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, he is approving its Official Community Plan.

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett encouraged education and awareness about youth bodychecking for parents, coaches, and all involved in youth hockey.

Non-profit arts and cultural organizations, First Nations band councils and friendship centres in B.C. will share $2.384 million in grants for 118 projects through two new arts programs.

Thirty-eight local sport organizations and Aboriginal communities in northern B.C. are benefiting from grants of up to $5,000 each through the Northern Sport Strategy Initiative.