Kids and adults who face obstacles to participating in sport programs will benefit from a $2.8-million cash injection to the B.C. Sport Participation Program (BCSPP) from the federal and provincial governments combined.

BCSPP has introduced over half a million British Columbians to sport since its inception in 2004 and trained more than 20,000 coaches and sport leaders.

The funding renewal, signed today by federal Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal and B.C.'s Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes, enables the program to continue for another three years. Programs are delivered throughout the province.

The BCSPP provides grants to provincial and multi-sport organizations for programs that help increase participation in sport, particularly for under-represented groups, including Aboriginal, disabled, low-income, and seniors populations. Examples of programs funded in the past include Gymnastics BC's Kids CanMove, BC Wheelchair Sports' Bridging the Gap, and Cross Country BC's Ski S'Kool program.

The BCSPP supports the goals of both Sport Canada and the government of British Columbia to enhance sport participation and the capacity to deliver sport programs.

Quotes:

Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), Government of Canada -

"Working with provincial and territorial governments to advance important priorities for sport, physical activity, and recreation in Canada is something our government is proud to do. We want to make sport participation a part of Canadians' everyday lives. Today's funding announcement clearly demonstrates that we are committed to working together with all levels of government to achieve this common goal. Sport participation and active living are important elements in keeping our communities and children healthy and active."

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Government of British Columbia -

"Sport brings whole communities together; it bridges geographic and cultural gaps in a way that nothing else can quite do. That's why our government works hard, through programs like BC Sport Participation, to make sure everyone has the chance to enjoy the benefits of healthy fun."

Mary-Jane Abbott, executive director, CanoeKayak BC -

"In the past two years with the help of the grant, we have trained over 90 local instructors to offer programs in their own communities and have taught them to improvise with the equipment they have available. We've also been able to partner with Aboriginal communities to offer programs and training, and we've employed two First Nations youth to help maintain a school-based program through the summer months. Communities have let us know that there is clearly a want and a need for these programs."

Quick Facts:

• Sport Canada and the government of British Columbia are each contributing $1,429,995 over three years, for a total funding commitment of $2,859,990. Each government committed over $476,000 per year over three years.

• The funding covers the period 2012-2015.

• In 2012-13, the government of British Columbia and Sport Canada provided a total of $953,330 for 37 projects involving 60,000 participants in 120 communities.

• Since its inception in 2004, the BCSPP has invested close to $8 million in sport participation programming.

• Funding for the BCSPP is administered by viaSport.

Learn More:

BC Sport Participation Program: http://www.viasport.ca/bc-sport-participation-program

Contact:

Communications
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 387-4089