Eighteen B.C. communities will benefit from government grants geared to the development of local sport programs, announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett.

The B.C. government is providing up to $2,000 per grant to 25 different non-profit groups for sport programs through the Local Sport Program Development Fund. The fund is administered by viaSport.

The grants aim to help establish new sport programs or expand existing ones so that more British Columbians, particularly those who face barriers to sport, have opportunities to participate.

Programs funded this year are focused on introducing new immigrants to sport, teaching kids fundamental sport skills, providing adaptive sports to persons with a disability and expanding Aboriginal sport programs. Funds are generally used for equipment, coach training, or program development.

Quotes:

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

"The health benefits of participation in sport can't be overstated. That's why it's our goal to encourage active lifestyles for all British Columbians. Through the Local Sport Program Development fund, thousands of athletes, young and old, have the opportunity to participate in sport programs of all sorts."

Scott Ackles, CEO, viaSport -

"Our goal is to unite and energize B.C. communities through sport. The Local Sport Program Development Fund helps local groups improve sport delivery and give more people a chance to play."

Quick Facts:

• The Local Sport Program Development Fund was created in 2008 in the lead-up to the Olympics as part of 2010 Legacies Now.
• Grants from the fund are available to isolated rural communities where sport opportunities are fewer, as well as large urban populations where low sport participation exists.
• 25 projects throughout British Columbia were funded up to $2,000 in fall 2012.
• The successful applicants include municipalities, Aboriginal groups and not-for-profit organizations that directly deliver organized sport programs.
• Over the course of four years, more than $400,000 from the fund has been distributed to over 90 B.C. communities, benefiting over 11,000 British Columbians.

Learn More:

viaSport: http://www.viasport.ca/

A backgrounder is available at: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/Local_Sport_Development_Fund_Grant.pdf

Contacts:

Matt Gordon
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677

Moira Gookstetter
Vice President
viaSport
778 327-5172