Government is investing over a quarter of a million dollars in sport participation and performance programs to maximize the impact of the Canada Winter Games in Prince George, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes announced on Jersey Day today and in honour of Sports Day in Canada tomorrow.

Sporting a 2015 Canada Winter Games jersey, and joined by Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond and Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris, Oakes announced funding for two separate programs:

• $125,000 for test events for the 2015 Games through Hosting BC
• $150,000 in funding for the Northern Sport Strategy, a program designed to further develop sport in the north.

As part of its support for the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, government has also provided over $400,000 in funding for upgrades to the Otway Nordic Centre. Earlier, Oakes spent the morning touring 2015 Canada Winter Games venues including the Kin Centres, Duchess Park School and the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre. The tour concluded with a plaque unveiling at Otway Nordic Centre to celebrate the completion of another 2015 Games venue, the Biathlon Range.

The 2015 Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport event ever to be held in Northern British Columbia attracting over 15,000 visitors, 3,400 athletes and coaches, 60 staff, up to 4,500 volunteers, 500 officials, 300 media and broadcast partners, 100s of local, provincial, regional and national sponsors and contributors and 1,000 VIP's and government officials.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"These Games will have an enormous economic impact on the north-expected to exceed $70 million dollars. They will mean jobs for B.C. families and businesses, increased tourism and improved infrastructure. Hosting the 2015 Canada Winter Games gives Northern B.C. an opportunity to shine for all of Canada to see; it is an exciting time for the region."

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training -

"People in the north are excited to be hosting the 2015 Canada Winter Games and no wonder. This is the largest sport and cultural event ever to be held in northern British Columbia and it will leave remarkable legacies including-as we've seen today-improved sports venues, trained volunteers, event hosting expertise, sports training and equipment, a more active population and of course, community pride. The 2015 Games are a huge win for all of B.C. and especially for the north."

Mike Morris, MLA, Prince George-Mackenzie -

"The 2015 Canada Winter Games aren't just a two week event. They're benefiting B.C. families already and will leave a legacy that will continue for years to come. I can't imagine a better way to celebrate Sports Day in Canada than by making sport more accessible to more families in B.C. and building on the momentum of the 2015 Games."

Stu Ballantyne, 2015 Canada Winter Games CEO -

"Today is a very special day for Northern British Columbia. In 2015, we will welcome the nation to our region to showcase our pride, hospitality and spirit. Through support from the Province of British Columbia, we are able to leave physical legacies within our community while enhancing our region's ability to host major events in the future".

Leon Erickson, Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activities Partners Council -

"The Xplore Sportz program offered by Pacific Sport North provided in partnership with the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council provides new opportunities for Aboriginal communities by providing access to sport-specific training and activities delivered by certified facilitators. The Xplore Sportz program and the Run Jump Throw programs are but two of the many essential tools that allow isolated communities to receive the same healthy and active initiatives seen commonly in larger centres across the province."

Quick Facts:

• The Government of British Columbia has provided $11.12 million in funding to the 2015 Canada Winter Games, an amount that has been matched by the federal government.
• There are 19 sports in the Games: Alpine and para-alpine skiing, archery, artistic gymnastics and trampoline, badminton, biathlon, cross-country and para-nordic skiing, curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, hockey, judo, ringette, snowboarding, speed skating, squash, synchronized swimming, table tennis, target shooting and wheelchair basketball.
• Jersey Day in Canada is a national day to show support for sport by wearing a jersey or uniform to work or school.
• Sports Day in Canada is a national day to celebrate sport and active, healthy living.

Learn More:

2015 Canada Winter Games: http://www.canadagames2015.ca/

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

Northern Sport Strategy: http://www.viasport.ca/fact-sheet-0

A backgrounder follows: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/Backgrounder.pdf

Contact:

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