The government of British Columbia has renewed its commitment to community development through sport by providing nearly $242,000 in funding for Hosting BC programs, announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett.

Sixty-four events in 25 communities will receive $241,500 in Hosting BC funding, which is provided by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and administered by viaSport. The government invests in sport-hosting opportunities to help communities with sport, economic, social and community development.

The grants will support a wide range of events throughout the province, including snowboarding, volleyball, canoeing, sailing, gymnastics, wheelchair basketball, triathlon, taekwondo and many others.

Hosting BC has invested nearly $4 million since 2004 in sporting events in communities throughout the province, building B.C.'s reputation as a prime sport hosting destination.

Quotes:

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

"Hosting BC is a major B.C. success story. We've been funding sporting events in British Columbia through this program since 2004, and it's hard to overstate the positive and lasting impact it has on individual communities. Events bring thousands of visitors and leave a legacy of trained volunteers, not to mention community enthusiasm. We're proud to invest in sport development through Hosting BC."

Scott Ackles, CEO, viaSport -

"Sport has the power to transform a community. The funding provided through Hosting BC helps bring more sporting events to more communities across British Columbia. In turn, this will inspire people to be active through sport, support development of our local athletes, and create economic benefits for the host community."

Quick Facts:

• Hosting BC funds competitive level events that support long-term athlete development plans for B.C.'s Provincial Sport Organizations.
• Grants typically range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the level of competition (e.g. provincial, regional, national, international).
• Applications for funding are reviewed by the Hosting BC Review Committee, which is comprised of leaders in the sport and tourism sectors.

Learn More:

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

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

View a backgrounder at:

http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/Projects_Funded_by_Hosting_BC_Grants.pdf

Contacts:

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

Moira Gookstetter
Vice President
viaSport
778 327-5172