Communities throughout the province will benefit from a half a million dollars in B.C. government funding to help non-profit cultural organizations, First Nations and friendship centres improve local arts infrastructure.

The Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District is receiving a $10,000 planning grant to look into improving Sandspit's water treatment system.

Two-time Olympian and former KidSport BC recipient Richard Hortness is living proof of the huge impact KidSport can have, MLA and Paralympian Michelle Stilwell said, as she announced $400,000 in funding support.

In honour of BC Coaches Week (Sept. 14-22, 2013), coaches will have the opportunity to take advantage of free National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) courses, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes announced today.

The B.C. government is supporting agricultural fairs, British Columbia's annual celebrations of rural heritage and the bounty of the land, featuring great traditions such as livestock competitions, 4-H activities and red ribbon prizes for best jams, jellies and pies.

As we close out the Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke and look ahead to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2014, I want to congratulate B.C. athletes and coaches and let British Columbians know what a tremendous sport system we have in this province.

The Province is moving ahead with making changes to the rules regarding local government elections.

The 2013 Sherbrooke Canada Summer Games finished amid fireworks and cheering crowds as the Games torch was handed off to B.C. - the host province of the next Canada Games.