The British Columbia government is helping build communities and local economies through sport with a renewed investment of $500,000 to support the hosting of sporting events throughout the province, announced Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

The funding will go to the Hosting BC grant program which will continue to build upon B.C.'s reputation as a first-class event-hosting destination. Applications are now being accepted for the first round of grants. The deadline for application is Oct. 15, 2012. A second application intake will take place early 2013.

Since 2004, close to $3.7 million in Hosting BC funding has been awarded to support over 469 events in more than 45 communities throughout the province. In 2011-12, more than 100 events were funded in more than 40 communities.

Hosting BC funding is targeted at provincial, national and select international events that will contribute to the economic, social and sporting health of a community.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Being from a small town, I know how important sporting events can be, both to the social and the economic health of a community. Hosting BC provides a great way for communities to access the cash they need to hold major sporting events in their areas. And as a bonus - they leave a lasting legacy of trained volunteers, new infrastructure, and community enthusiasm."

Scott Ackles, chief executive officer, viaSport -

"The Hosting BC program is vitally important to provincial sport organizations, and ultimately, to athletes across the province. We are delighted to partner with the B.C. government to deliver this critical program that makes it possible for our athletes to develop their skills while our communities realize the economic benefits that come with sport hosting."

Quick Facts:

• Hosting BC grants, administered by viaSport, typically range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the level of competition (e.g., provincial, regional, national, international).

• Hosting BC received 93 applications from 46 sports for events in 35 different communities in its December 2011 intake.

• Applications for funding are reviewed by the Hosting BC Review Committee, comprised of leaders in the sport and tourism sectors.

Learn More:

Hosting BC: http://www.hostingbc.ca/resources

B.C. government Sport Branch: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/sport

Media Contacts:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677
250 208-4028 (cell)

Erin Andrews
viaSport
778 327-5154
erina@viasport.ca