Applications are now being accepted to help local sport, municipalities, Aboriginal and community organizations increase sport opportunities for British Columbians of all ages and abilities.

The Local Sport Program Development Fund provides grants of up to $2,000 for sport programs that aim to increase access to British Columbians. This could include opportunities such as clubs establishing a youth division; a new sport program that requires specialized equipment or coach training; or a club that wants to introduce their sport to local schools.

Since 2008, $251,728 from the Local Sport Program Development Fund has been distributed to 69 B.C. communities, benefiting over 8,500 British Columbians involved in sport.

Programs supported by the Local Sport Program Development Fund include:

• The Nak'azdli Band Council received $2,000 to introduce and recruit new participants to lacrosse in Fort St. James.
• The Equinox Outdoor Recreation Society in Terrace received $2,000 to train and certify rock-climbing instructors.
• The New Totem Archery Club received $2,000 to establish Kids Night in Fort St John.
• The Tri City Greyhounds in Surrey received $2,000 to purchase specialized track and field equipment for senior athletes (age 35+).

Quick Facts:

$100,000 in provincial funding is available through Local Sport Program Development Fund.

The application period runs from Sept. 1 to Oct. 3, 2011. A second application period will be launched January 2012.

Successful applicants receive grants up to $2,000.

Applications are assessed according to the following criteria:

• Submitted by an eligible applicant using the supplied application form.
• Align with the purpose of the grant and acceptable use of funds.
• Show a commitment to partner with other community groups and organizations.
• Demonstrate commitment to increasing participation in organized sport activities.
• Demonstrate commitment to delivering programs by qualified instructors (NCCP, first aid).
• Innovative programs that fit the needs of the participants and the community.
• Show a plan for sustainability of participation in sport in the community.
• Show community matching capacity (in-kind or cash).
• Capacity to complete the outlined program and meet the goals and objectives.

Learn More:

Find out more about the Local Sport Program Development Fund:

http://www.2010legaciesnow.com/local_sport_development_fund/

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Gillian Rhodes
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334

BACKGROUNDER

Aug. 31, 2011 Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

Projects Funded by Local Sport Development Grants in 2011

Community, Organization - Project: Funding Amount Received

1. Agassiz, Seabird Island Community School - Sto':mex Sxwowxwe - Leaders Running Program: $2,000.

2. Boston Bar, Raven Spirit Youth Programs Society - Raven Youth Boxing Program: $1,315.

3. Burnaby, Burnaby Canoe and Kayak Club - Burnaby Canoe and Kayak Club School Dragon Boat Program: $2,000.

4. Burnaby, Progressive Housing Society - Nordic Walking Sun Run Club: $1,800.

5. Burnaby, South Burnaby Neighbourhood House - Burnaby More Sport: $2,000.

6. Burnaby, Nordic Racers Ski Club - Skiing is Believing Adaptive Cross - Country Ski Clinics: $2,000.

7. Campbell River, Campbell River Indian Band - Weiwaikum Youth Group - Equipment: $2,000.

8. Comox, Comox Bay Sailing Club-Dinghy Sail Training - Optimist Dinghy Sail Training: $1,500.

9. Courtenay, Courtenay Canadian Dressage Owners & Riders Association - Amateur Dressage Discovery Days: $1,600.

10. Cranbrook, East Kootenay Volleyball Club - Coaching Certification and Coach Leadership Grant: $2,000.

11. Delta, Delta Lacrosse Association - Delta Lacrosse Elementary School Program: $1,500.

12. Fernie, Special Olympics BC Society Elk Valley Branch - Swimming and Bowling Sports League: $2,000.

13. Fort Langley, Fort Langley Youth Rowing Society - Youth Rowing Program: $2,000.

14. Fort St John, New Totem Archery Club - Kids night: $2,000.

15. Fort St James, Nak'azdli Band Council - Nak'aszdli Recreation intro and retention new sport (Lacrosse): $2,000.

16. Gibsons, Tetrahedron Outdoor Club - Jackrabbit Cross-country Ski Program: $1,955.

17. Kamloops, Kamloops Gymnastics and Trampoline Centre - Fit Kids and Fundamentals: $2,000.

18. Kamloops, Kamloops Long Blades Association - In-Line Skating Summer Program: $2,000.

19. Kamloops, Kamloops Team Handball Club - Team Handball for Women: $750.

20. Kamloops, Overlander Ski Club - Ski School (Introduction to Cross Country Skiing): $2,000.

21. Kelowna, Kelowna Curling Club - Junior Disability Program: $1,120.

22. Kelowna, City of Kelowna/Recreation & Culture Services - Sledge Hockey: $2,000.

23. Kelowna, Kelowna Sharks Youth Triathlon Club - Youth Triathlon Club: $2,000.

24. Kitimat, District of Kitimat/Leisure Services - Futsal for All: $2,000.

25. Langley, Langley Gymnastics Foundation - Foundations: $2,000.

26. Langley, Surrey Orcas Water Polo Club - Summer Water Polo: $2,000.

27. Mission, Mission Soccer Club - Girls Get a Kick: $2,000.

28. Mount Currie, Lil'Wat Recreation Department / Pemberton Karate Club - Mats for Open Karate Tournament: $2,000.

29. Nelson, Nelson Grizzlies Rugby Society - Nelson & Area Youth Rugby Development / Rugby for All: $2,000.

30. North Vancouver, North Shore Public Golf Course Society / Elementary School Program: $2,000.

31. North Vancouver, North Shore Winter Club - Karate Program: $2,000.

32. North Vancouver, North Vancouver Recreation Commission - Run Jump Throw: $2,000.

33. North Vancouver, Vancouver Water Ski Club - Towed Water Sports: $1,120.

34. North Vancouver, Capilano Mat Rats - Elementary Blast Programs and Expansion Projects: $2,000.

35. Penticton, Penticton KISU Swim Club - Competitive Swimming Outreach Program: $2,000.

36. Penticton, Okanagan-Similkameen Wrestling Club - OSWC Rural Community and School System Expansion: $2,000.

37. Penticton, Nickel Plate Cross Country Ski Club - Grade 5 School Program: $2,000.

38. Port Alberni, Alberni Valley Track Club - Youth Development Initiative (Junior Officials and Coaches): $2,000.

39. Powell River, The Powell River Disability Sport Club - Ravens Wheelchair Basketball: $2,000.

40. Salmon Arm, First Nations Education Council - Secwepemc Dancers: $2,000.

41. Sparwood, District of Sparwood / Community and Facility Services - Learn the Ropes (Wall and Rock Climbing): $2,000.

42. Surrey, Tri City Greyhounds - Specialized Track & Field Equipment: $2,000.

43. Terrace, Equinox Outdoor Recreation Society - Rock Climbing Instructor Certification: $2,000.

44. Trail, City of Trail - Pickleball for Everyone!: $2,000.

45. Valemount, Valemount Gymnastics Association - Preschool Gymnastics Program: $1,550.

46. Vancouver, False Creek Racing Canoe Club - 2011 Spring CanoeKids: $1,120.

47. Vancouver, Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports - Adaptive Skiing for People with Autism: $2,000.

48. Vancouver, Coastal Squash Organization - Urban Squash Program: $2,000.

49. Vernon, Vernon Rowing and Paddling Centre - High School Rowing-Exposure and Experience: $1,750.

50. Victoria, Highland Pacific Golf - Golf in Schools: $1,800.

51. Victoria, Lower Island Soccer Association - "Free Play": $1,120.

52. Victoria, Victoria Wheelchair Rugby Club - Victoria and Island Wheelchair Rugby: $2,000.

53. West Kelowna, Liquid Lightning Swim Club - Elementary School Swim Program: $2,000.

54. Whistler, Whistler Gymnastics Club - Family Open Gym: $2,000.

Contact:

Gillian Rhodes
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 356-6334