Thirteen B.C. communities will benefit from government grants aimed at breaking down barriers to participation in sport, announced Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Coralee Oakes.

The Government of British Columbia is providing up to $2,000 per grant to 17 different non-profit groups for sport programs through the Local Sport Program Development fund. The fund is administered by ViaSport. Funds are typically used for equipment purchases, coach training or program development.

Local Sport Program Development fund grants are designed 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. 

Applications are now being taken for the next round of Local Sport Program Development Funds. For more information, see: http://www.viasport.ca/

Quotes:

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

“The Local Sport Program Development fund is designed to make sport more accessible to more British Columbians, and change lives in the process. Through the Local Sport Program Development fund, athletes and would-be athletes of all ages have the opportunity to participate in sport. It’s a true B.C. success story.”

Cathy Priestner Allinger, CEO, ViaSport -

“The achievements shown by our Local Sport Program Development fund grant recipients really demonstrate what sport can bring to British Columbians at any age and ability. Recipients of Local Sport Program Development funding are all prime examples of this, using sport to engage youth who wouldn’t otherwise be offered the opportunity to participate.”

Quick Facts:

• The total amount distributed for Local Sport Program Development Fund this intake is just over $30,000.
• The B.C. government will invest over $50 million in sport programming this year.

Learn More:

For a complete list of grant recipients: http://www.viasport.ca/sites/default/files/PDFs/2014_3_27_LSPD_Backgrounder.pdf

ViaSport: http://www.viasport.ca/

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462

Amanda Brkich
Communications Manager
ViaSport
778 331-8657